Statewide Training & Event Calendar
All training events are held in Massachusetts unless otherwise noted. Preregistration is required for all events. Each registration link is program-specific. If no link is listed, online registration is not available or registration has closed.
Training registrations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your space for fee-based events, mail your payment to the appropriate office with a copy of the completed registration form. We accept credit cards only for the Massachusetts Export Center's events. Your spot is reserved once payment is received by the appropriate office. Training programs may be added or cancelled; the training schedule is subject to change.
Please note: Training confirmations are sent from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. If you can't log into your account to register for training, a verification code will be sent from this email address. We use this email frequently, so please add it to your approved sender list.
Please review our
cancellation and refund
policies.
 
The Massachusetts Export Center organizes seminars, webinars and events throughout the year under Partners for Trade—the official export training initiative of the Commonwealth. The Export Center also offers an opportunity to view archived webinars. For further information, visit www.mass.gov/export. Click on image to right to download the Export Center's Fall 2019 Partners for Trade export training brochure. |
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 The
Massachusetts Export Center created the
Massachusetts Export Resource Center, a comprehensive, one-stop resource for
accessing a wide range of instructional and practical information on
exporting to help your business grow and take advantage of international
opportunities. Registration is free! |
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 Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration offers free online training? Click on the SBA logo to view topics.
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Program Descriptions
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How to Become a GSA Federal Supply Schedule Holder and Government Contracting 101
This free one-day workshop is typically held monthly in Boston. This workshop, designed to encourage and support small businesses interested in obtaining a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract; learn more about contracting opportunities, the procurement process and resources available. Not sure which solicitation applies to your product or service? Refer to GSA's Schedules e-Library website in order to view or download solicitations. You can also view and download solicitations by visiting the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Before attending the workshop, please review the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program and the GSA Vendor Tool Box. Please direct any questions regarding the GSA MAS Program to the GSA MAS Helpdesk (National Customer Service Center) by phone at 800-488-3111 or by email at mashelpdesk@gsa.gov. To register, click on a specific date below and you will be transferred to the registration form. Space is limited to the first 25 participants, so register early! Date:
Wednesday,
March 18, 2020 |
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Introduction to Government Contracting
To register for an event, click on a specific date below and you will be transferred to the registration form. Space is limited, so register early! Dates: TBA |
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General information will be provided on the following programs and services:
These free two-hour programs are offered frequently at various locations. Click on button below to visit SBA's website for dates, locations and registration information.
Cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and area chambers of commerce |
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Legal Clinics (offered monthly in Southeast Massachusetts)
These free and confidential 30-minute sessions are offered once a month at various locations. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens online two weeks prior to each legal clinic's date. If you have questions, please call the MSBDC office at 508-673-9783.
As a courtesy to Attorney Cassara, who is volunteering
his time for the clinics, please call our office at at least 24 hours in
advance if you cannot attend your appointment. Dates: Monthly on Fridays
- see dates below Register online by clicking on the desired date below:
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Basics of Starting Your Business (Springfield)
Topics will include: introduction and need for planning; basic business plan format; choosing your legal form of organization; marketing, market planning and research; cash flow projections; financial statements; and financing. In addition, there will be an overview of the U.S. Small Business Administration's programs and services. The presentation will help you gain a better understanding of the various SBA programs and services available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their businesses, and will include capital, counseling and contracting information. Oreste Varela, branch manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Springfield, will be a speaker. In addition, Allen Kronick, a senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network's Western Regional Office, will speak. There is no charge for these workshops, but pre-registration is required. To register, click on the appropriate date below. If you have questions or problems registering online, please contact Lynn Shedd at lshedd@msbdc.umass.edu or 413-577-1768. Register online by clicking on the desired date below:
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Basics of Starting Your Business (Greenfield) Learn the whole nine yards of starting a business! This free workshop will help entrepreneurs write a business plan and provide structure to starting/managing their venture. It will also focus on business fundamentals; from startup considerations to business plan development and funding sources. Both those who want to start a business and existing business owners looking for guidance on creating a business plan and securing financing to grow their business will find this session helpful. Topics will include: introduction and need for planning; Basic business plan format; choosing your legal form of organization; marketing, market planning and research; cash flow projections; financial statements; and financing. In addition, there will be an overview of the U.S. Small Business Administration's programs and services. The presentation will help you gain a better understanding of the various SBA programs and services available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their businesses, and will include capital, counseling and contracting information. Bonus: If your business is food-related, you are invited to attend a guided tour of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation commercial kitchen following the workshop. Please follow these guidelines when visiting the commercial kitchen: no open-toed shoes, tank tops, or strong perfumes/colognes and limited jewelry. Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted in the commercial kitchen area. Oreste Varela, branch manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Springfield, will be a speaker. In addition, Anita Eliason, a senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network's Western Regional Office, will speak. There is no charge for these workshops, but pre-registration is required.
To register, click on the appropriate date below. If you have
questions or problems registering online,
please contact the MSBDC Western Regional Office at
lshedd@msbdc.umass.edu
or 413-577-1768.
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The ABCs of Starting a Business Join us for this free workshop focusing on business fundamentals, from start-up considerations to business plan development and funding sources. The special guest speaker will be Lisa Gonzalez Welch, an economic development specialist with the Massachusetts District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Awilda Irizarry, senior business advisor with the MSBDC Northeast Regional Office will also speak at this event. Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Cosponsored by The Dream Network |
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This presentation will help you gain a better understanding of the core legal concepts impacting your business.
The speaker will be Sarah Willey, counsel with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP's Business and Finance Department. Sarah is also a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group and Employment Law Practice Group. She has experience advising clients in the areas of business formation, mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning, and corporate structuring of businesses in regulated industries. Sarah counsels clients in protecting and maximizing their intellectual property via trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. She also assists businesses with designing, implementing and auditing corporate compliance programs under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Pre-registration is required. Register online with link below. Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020
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Free workshop focusing on business fundamentals, from start-up considerations to business plan development and funding sources. Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2020
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Primeros Pasos Para Emprender Un Negocio Propio Este taller te dará información essential para orientarte en como emprender un negocio propio. Comenzar un negocio es una aventura y verás que al principio te abrumarás muy fácilmente, sin embargo la clave para seguir en pie es contar con un plan de trabajo a seguir, un mapa que te debe guiar a lo largo del camino de tu negocio. El orador será Samalid Hogan, director regional y asesor comercial principal de la Oficina Regional del Oeste de MSBDC. Se requiere registración antes del taller. Regístrese en nuestra página de la internet. Fecha: Lunes 24 de febrero de 2020
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Taller gratuito centrado en los fundamentos empresariales, desde las consideraciones iniciales hasta el desarrollo del plan empresarial y las fuentes de financiación. El curso se impartirá en español. Los asistentes solo deben estacionar en espacios en blanco. Fecha: Miércoles 26 de febrero de 2020
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Are Your Small Business Policies and Practices in Compliance? What Every Business Owner Should Know!
Understanding Cybersecurity. Feeling overwhelmed by the horror stories? In this interactive seminar you will gain insight on: Understanding the data that you manage, broker, or require; Identifying trustworthy resources that can help you; Establishing and measuring progress towards your security goals; Steps to start to build a plan for success. The speaker will be John Danahey, owner of NerdsToGo in Taunton. He will demystify cybersecurity in a relaxed setting and answer your concerns regarding this hot topic! As a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran and owner of a Massachusetts Certified-Veteran Enterprise, John differentiates himself from the competition. John has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in cyber security and system operations. He works with small businesses in Southeastern Massachusetts to provide security and data protection. Employment Law Compliance and HR-Related Risk Management. Is your business prepared should the Commonwealth’s Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Labor or OSHA conduct an audit? Do you have policies and practices in place? The need to more effectively manage HR-related risk has never been greater. Compliance obligations are burdensome and the corresponding liability and exposure for employers of all sizes is extraordinary. The speaker will be Wendy Hansen, an attorney with Foley & Foley, PC who will help you navigate the recent regulatory changes for small business owners. Attoney Hansen has a strong human resources background and previously worked at an insurance defense litigation firm in Boston, reviewing and analyzing employment law. Human Resources Management. Speaker will be Monet Viens, president of the SouthCoast Human Resources Council, will provide insight to this organization whose purpose is to enhance the professional knowledge of individuals involved in any aspect of human resources management. This runs the gamut from compensation and payroll functions, legal issues, benefits, safety, health, communications, recruiting and retention, labor relations, employee development and event planning, to name a few. If you’re in HR, you know the list goes on and on! **Please note that FRONT DOOR WILL BE LOCKED AT 5:00 p.m. Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Cosponsored by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) and the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) |
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CMMC Ready: Cybersecurity Strategies for Exporters
On January 31, the DoD released the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which requires every prime and subcontractor to have their cybersecurity controls audited and certified in order to win new business. As a sort of enforcement mechanism for the DFARS 252.204-7012 clause — which will be modified this year to reflect the new rules — CMMC will force companies to fully implement cybersecurity controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information on their networks. In this session, we will parse out what to expect from this evolving program and offer strategies on how to prepare for the changes. Exporters subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) must also note that, on March 25, an ITAR amendment will go into effect, creating a definition of "activities that are not exports, reexports, retransfers, or temporary imports." ITAR will receive a long-awaited encryption carve-out that, similar to EAR, deems that data protected by end-to-end encryption does not constitute an export, even if it travels across foreign communications infrastructure. Participants will learn: - What to expect from the new CMMC program and how to prepare; - How the DFARS 252.204-7012 rule will change to incorporate CMMC and a new cybersecurity confidence rating system; - What's changing this year in ITAR encryption controls and how it affects exporters. Speakers:
Date: Thursday, Feburary 27, 2020
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) surveyed 1,000 small business that did not succeed. What they all had in common was they did not have a business plan. This workshop will review the six topics of creating a business plan and cash flow. Attendess will have a self-directed template to produce a business plan. Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Cosponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank |
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Starting A Food Business – Beyond a Great Recipe Learn rules, regulation and resources for your food business. The Worcester Regional Food Hub Kitchen provides a variety of services for start-up and existing food entrepreneurs, including hourly kitchen rentals, technical assistance, workshops and support. It is designed to bolster a robust regional food system. The Food Hub’s mission is to increase local food access and consumption and recruit, retain and incubate local food entrepreneurs, collectively building healthy, sustainable and just communities. The speaker will be Shon Rainford, director of the Worcester Regional Food Hub. Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020
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In this event, we will discuss all the ways to use credit in your business. You will also learn about different types of lines of credit and how to use them. The speaker will be Gina Flynn, vice president and branch manager of Eastern Bank. Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Cosponsored by Eastern Bank |
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The financial wellness workshop will give the participants the knowledge, tools, and resources they can use to improve their financial well-being. Topics will include:
The speaker will be Emil Farjo, a Certified Credit Counselor, a Certified Financial Coach and a Business Consultant. Emil holds a B.S. degree in Statistics and Computer Sciences from the Rafidain University, and an A.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Institute of Technology in Baghdad, Iraq. Through his work at the Thrive program, a program of the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Emil is able to provide free financial counseling to any individual in the Greater Springfield community. He is a social entrepreneur; as he assists, guides, and mentors, refugees and immigrants to create their own enterprises, through his work at Ascentria Care Alliance. He has developed and facilitated many series of financial literacy workshops statewide through his work with the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. Pre-registration is required. Register online with link below. Date: Monday, March 16, 2020
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Marketing Research – The First Step in Defining Your Business Without conducting research, you will not be able to determine your identity in the market or be able to reach the consumers who will purchase your products or service. This will be an interactive workshop where you will be grouped with similar industries/markets. Worksheets will be provided to help you structure your research so that you can make informed business decisions on product/service, price, place, promotion and people. Speakers include:
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2020
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Free State Programs That Your Business Doesn't Know About The business resource expo brings together more than a dozen State and Federal agencies and others who can answer these questions and more helping you access all the resources available to Massachusetts businesses! Are you...
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Cosponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, and UMass Lowell Innovation Hub |
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Retirement Plans for Small Business Small businesses owners don't realize they can start saving for retirement sooner than they think. This presentation is designed to give small business owners and their key employees the resources to help them choose the type of retirement plan that fits best for them and the company. The speaker will be David Ferris, vice president with Wells Fargo. Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Cosponsored by Wells Fargo |
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Marketing Strategy – Websites and Other Social Media Promotion Pagano Media is a digital marketing agency dedicated to crafting impactful branding, web design, video, social media, events and more. As Pagano Media strives to be at the forefront of the revolution in digital marketing, one thing hasn’t changed over the decades: our commitment to creating powerful messages that enables clients to reach their goals. Learn about the many components of a marketing strategy including Google Analytics. The speaker will be Leo Pagano, strategic director at Pagano Media. Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020
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Cash is KING! Learn simple steps to manage your cash and keep your business strong. Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 |
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Building Your Management Team – Selecting the Right Professionals Before you can start your business, you should be consulting with professionals that will help you make important decisions that will affect your business now and in the future. Just because someone comes highly recommended, does not mean they are right for you. Learn about important criteria in selecting a lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, and bank. Not asking the right questions up front can set you up for trouble in the future. Speakers:
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
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You do not have to be an accountant or CPA to run a successful business! This workshop will provide practical information to evaluate cash flow, how cash flow is different from an Income Statement and what the balance sheet tells you about your business. The speaker will include Robert Look, vice president with Middlesex Savings Bank. Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Cosponsorred by Middlesex Savings Bank |
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El taller se centrará en los fundamentos empresariales, desde las consideraciones iniciales hasta el desarrollo del plan empresarial y las fuentes de financiación. El curso se impartirá en español. Fecha: Miércoles 29 de abril de 2020
Copatrocinado por Eastern Bank |
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Join us for a free workshop focusing on business fundamentals, from start-up considerations to business plan development and funding sources. Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Cosponsored by CI Works |
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Employment law is complicated. How do you properly classify your workers? What happens if you misclassify them? What information do you need to maintain? How do you keep compliant and up to date? Don’t expose your company to heavy fines, penalties and litigation. Here are some of the important topics that will be covered:
The speaker will be Jack K. Merrell, Esq., Employment Law and Civil Litigation with KSR Law. Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2020
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This free workshop will discuss the ways to obtain start-up funds for your business. The speaker will be Gina Flynn, vice president and branch manager at Eastern Bank. Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Cosponsored by Eastern Bank |
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Primeros Pasos Para Emprender Un Negocio Propio Este taller te dará información essential para orientarte en como emprender un negocio propio. Comenzar un negocio es una aventura y verás que al principio te abrumarás muy fácilmente, sin embargo la clave para seguir en pie es contar con un plan de trabajo a seguir, un mapa que te debe guiar a lo largo del camino de tu negocio. El orador será Samalid Hogan, director regional y asesor comercial principal de la Oficina Regional del Oeste de MSBDC. Se requiere registración antes del taller. Regístrese en nuestra página de la internet. Fecha: Lunes 18 de mayo de 2020
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El taller se centrará en los fundamentos empresariales, desde las consideraciones iniciales hasta el desarrollo del plan empresarial y las fuentes de financiación. El curso se impartirá en español. Fecha: Miércoles 20 de mayo de 2020
Copatrocinado por la Cámara de Comercio de Peabody |
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Cybersecurity – It Impacts Everyone What do you need to be aware of and how can you protect yourself? Especially when the sophistication of the information thieves keeps on changing/increasing. You will learn about threats to your business and what steps you may need to take to protect your information and money. Don’t leave your business exposed. Speakers include:
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2020
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Understanding Your Company's Financial Statements If you are in business, financial statements are an essential tool. Knowing how to read your financial statements will help you to understand what happened last year in your business and what is likely to happen this year. This workshop will include: Balance Sheet Income Statement Profit/Loss The speaker will be Robb Morton. Robb has more than 30 years of experience in public and management accounting. He has over seven years of experience as a controller which has given him an unique perspective that serves as a tremendous benefit when dealing with the challenges faced by his small business clients. Robb also has extensive experience working with family-owned businesses, both as advisor and as a member of its management team. Pre-registration is required. Register online with link below. Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2020
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This presentation will help you gain a better understanding of the core legal concepts impacting your business.
The speaker will be Sarah Willey, counsel with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP's Business and Finance Department. Sarah is also a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group and Employment Law Practice Group. She has experience advising clients in the areas of business formation, mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning, and corporate structuring of businesses in regulated industries. Sarah counsels clients in protecting and maximizing their intellectual property via trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. She also assists businesses with designing, implementing and auditing corporate compliance programs under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Pre-registration is required. Register online with link below. Date: Monday, June 1, 2020
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The Massachusetts Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) presents a workshop on the following topics:
The speaker will be Michelle Simoes, procurement specialist with the Massachusetts PTAC. Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Cosponsored by the Massachusetts PTAC |
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Understanding Your Financial Statements – Essential to Your Planning and Success What are the basic financial statements, how do they integrate and what do they show? Learn how balance sheets, profit and loss statements and cash flow statements can be used as a planning tool to help you manage your business to success. Even if you are uncomfortable (or want to avoid them), we will walk you through what they are, what they show you, and how you can use them as a management tool to create a healthy business. Speakers include:
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2020
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This free workshop will discuss the benefits of using LinkedIn to market your business. The speaker will be Cara Chatellier. Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 |
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Legal Requirements for Small Business A small business owner needs to know what their federal, state and local legal obligations are. This course will give you an overview of the legal requirements that every small business owner should know. The speaker will be Gina Flynn, vice president and branch manager at Eastern Bank. Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Cosponsored by Eastern Bank |
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This workshop will focus on learning the various means to raise capital and the requirements needed for borrowing. Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 |
All
services are provided by PSH which is not acting as an agent and/or
representative of the Massachusetts Small Business Development
Center Network. By meeting with PSH you agree to indemnify and hold
harmless the MSBDC from any and all claims and liability arising
from your session with PSH. Participants will receive a general
waiver statement prior to their meeting. 
Learn the whole nine yards of starting a business! This free
workshop will focus on business fundamentals, from start-up
considerations to business plan development and funding sources. It will help entrepreneurs write a business plan and
provide structure to starting/managing their venture. This workshop
is appropriate for anyone who wants to start a business and existing
business owners looking for guidance on creating a business plan and
securing financing to grow their business.
Health
Insurance for Employees. Should you be offering health insurance to your employees? The
Massachusetts Health Connector has a shopping platform for small
business. Bringing state-of-the-art tools to employers,
brokers, and employees, and making it easier for small businesses to offer
health insurance to its employees. You have the power to control
costs and offer significant flexibility. It’s easy, it’s
flexible,
and it’s affordable! The speaker will be Chaitra Sanders, Distribution Channel and
Account manager for Massachusetts Health Connector for Business. Ms.
Sanders
will bring you up-to-date on the latest health care regulations and
show you an affordable way to provide coverage for yourself and your
employees.
For
companies doing business with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD),
this year brings major changes in cybersecurity requirements,
signaling a sea change for every company on a DoD supply chain.