Tuesday, May 21, 2024
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sheridan College, Whitney Center for the Arts
ABOUT: The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Business Retention & Expansion Committee hosts the Ignite Conference to provide the opportunity for professionals at every level to gain innovative ideas, learn about best practices and acquire vital information to spark their professional development and business growth.
SESSIONS: The Ignite Conference allows you to choose the seminars that best fit YOUR professional development needs. Choose from seminars on marketing, human resources, business growth, customer service, and more.
NEW THIS YEAR: EXECUTIVE TRACK
We’re pleased to offer an executive track geared towards business owners and executives. See the starred seminars in the Conference Sessions. Although intended for owners and executives, anyone is welcome to attend Executive Track seminars.
COST:
CHAMBER MEMBERS: $175 each; $165 for each additional company employee
NON-CHAMBER MEMBERS: $210 each; $200 for each additional company employee
Seating is limited! Register early.
REGISTER HERE.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
7:30 – 8:00 Check in and packet pick up, coffee and light refreshments
8:00 – 8:20 Welcome
8:30 – 9:30 SESSION 1
9:30 – 9:45 Refreshment Break & Networking
9:45 – 10:45 SESSION 2
10:45 – 11:00 Refreshment Break & Networking
11:00 – 12:00 SESSION 3
12:00 – 12:20 Lunch Buffet
12:20 – 1:15 Featured Panel
1:15 – 1:30 Break
1:30 – 2:30 SESSION 4
2:30 – 2:45 Refreshment Break & Networking
2:45 – 3:45 SESSION 5
3:45 – 4:00 Break
4:00 – 4:30 Final Session
CONFERENCE SEMINARS:
*EXECUTIVE TRACK
SESSION 1: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
STRATEGY AND STRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS*
Ryan Gregory
In the dynamic landscape of modern businesses and non-profits, the difference between thriving and surviving often hinges on the effectiveness of your operating system. This seminar will introduce some essential Pinnacle Business Operating System tools, a proven system that streamlines operations, enhances leadership and fosters sustainable growth, leading to a self-managing business model. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the tools and leave with actionable strategies to immediately implement them in their organizations.
CREATING A MEDIA MIX THAT INCLUDES DIGITAL TO EFFECTIVELY BRAND AND MARKET YOUR BUSINESS
Bob Grammens, Jim Schellinger, Julie Chadwick and Steven Schreffler
In this session, participants will learn more about choosing and using various types of media including digital, social media, video production, radio, print, television and billboards. They will discover how to define their unique business qualities and how to reach potential customers that need their product or service.
RETHINKING LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Stacia Skretteberg
In our ever-changing work climate, what’s needed from our leaders is evolving. Based on the Gallup Organization’s research, this session will explore the competencies leaders need to cultivate on their teams to achieve success across roles, organizations and industries, as well as give participants the opportunity to discuss ways to help others develop these skills. Stacia will share the expectations for today’s leaders and best practices for how to identify and cultivate those competencies on your current teams.
THE EISENHOWER MATRIX – SAVE AND MASTER YOUR TIME
Doug Lee
Being busy without direction is using your time racing to nowhere. Doug will share The Eisenhower Matrix, a task and priority management tool that provides a method to organize and prioritize tasks by urgency and importance in both business and personal lives. Participants will learn how to prioritize investment in the time available, what to say yes and no to and how to establish an efficient workflow for you and your team.
SESSION 2: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
GROWING YOUR COACHING SKILLS AS A LEADER*
Stacia Skretteberg
Coaching moves you from being the “doer” to the “facilitator,” which can have a positive impact on employee performance and building the capacity of your team. This session will focus on the different ways to incorporate coaching to improve employee engagement, problem solving, self-awareness and accountability for development and performance. Participants will walk away with an understanding of how and when to utilize different coaching techniques through scenario-based training: The Four C’s of employee feedback (coaching, consulting, counseling, cheerleading).
BUILDING A TEAM, TWO LAWS OF TEAM BUILDING FROM THE 17 INDISPUTABLE LAWS OF TEAMWORK
James F. Ishoy
In this session, Jim will take participants through two of the 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell: The Law of Significance and The Law of the Niche. In addition, he will share principles from his own book, “Confident Leadership: Unlock The Secrets of Achieving Success With Your Team.” Learn what makes a great team and what keeps people from building a great team. Participants will develop an immediate action plan to improve their leadership in each of these laws.
DEVELOP YOUR GREATEST ASSET: ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALITY STAFF
P.J. Burns
The employee crisis is only going to worsen in the coming years. What can you do as a small business owner or HR staff to keep employees and hire the “right” employees. Join P.J. Burns as she explores the current problem, provides applicable strategies for keeping current staff, unique ways to find new staff and how your recruiting strategy impacts your ability to find the “right” employees for your open positions.
FROM CONCEPT TO BRAND: CRAFTING A KILLER BRAND IDENTITY
Adelita Duryea
Adelita will help participants master the basics of branding, understand how and when to give your brand a facelift and share her tips to elevate your company’s identity. She’ll discuss the difference between visual branding and the values of branding and provide guidance for developing a brand and things to consider. Learn what branding actually is and how to solidify it and keep it consistent throughout your marketing efforts.
SESSION 3: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ACHIEVING PEACE OF MIND: CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT FOR BUSINESS OWNERS & MANAGERS*
Scot Rendall
Cash is the lifeblood of all small businesses. Scot will discuss why having command of your cash position is important and how to accurately determine and forecast cash flow. Participants will learn methods for improving cash position and dealing with cash leakage, options for bridging gaps, the return on investment of expenses, capital equipment and human capital and the impact of customers, suppliers and employees on your cash flow.
4 SIMPLE STEPS TO A SECURE BUSINESS
Shane Brown
We hear every day of friends, neighbors, local and national businesses and government
agencies who have cybersecurity incidents ranging from email hacks to complete shutdowns
that can cost millions of dollars to recover from. In this seminar, Shane will present the strategies and tools you need to ensure your business is safe from cybersecurity threats. Protecting your business comes down to four simple steps to help you use technology wisely and protect your company, your data and your livelihood from online threats.
CANVA 101 – A QUICK DESIGN TOOL FOR BUSINESS OWNERS ON THE GO
Adelita Duryea
In Canva 101, Adelita will show participants how to leverage Canva as a powerful design tool for busy business owners. Learn how to harness its versatility to swiftly craft compelling visuals that enhance your brand identity and discover practical strategies for using Canva to efficiently create professional designs that captivate your audience and elevate your business presence.
CRUCIAL COMMUNICATION
Matt Melinkovich
Empower yourself with correct communication skills. In this session, participants will learn the skills and tools necessary to really listen and then communicate successfully with others, especially a crucial conversation. Overall, you will identify and learn how better communication skills will enhance your work and personal relationships.
SESSION 4: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: HOW TO IDENTIFY AND MARKET TO YOUR CUSTOMERS*
Kristen Czaban
Do you know who your ideal customers are? In an age of customization, targeted marketing and overwhelming amounts of data, reaching your ideal customer is easier (and harder) than ever. This session will help entrepreneurs define their customer segments and build marketing campaigns that resonate. Participants will learn how to create detailed customer personas using research and data, how to research and understand your market based on those personas and what to do once you know your ideal customer persona(s) and market potential.
LEVERAGING AI STRATEGIES FOR COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
Gage Wandler
Unlock the full potential of your business with the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From automating mundane tasks to deriving deep customer insights and enabling predictive analytics, AI is your key to operational excellence and superior customer service. Embrace AI to transform challenges into opportunities and equip yourself with knowledge to not just compete but lead in the modern business arena.
SOCIAL MEDIA BEST PRACTICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Brooke Welch
Whether you’re new to social media marketing or looking to take your efforts to the next level, this session is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Brooke will share practical strategies for managing your social media platforms, with a focus on Facebook and Instagram and a sprinkling of TikTok. She’ll also discuss effective techniques for creating captivating video content, app recommendations to streamline your video creation process, quick tips for leveraging TikTok to reach new audiences and best practices for optimizing your social media presence, connecting with your target customers and utilizing micro-influencers.
WORKPLACE APPRECIATION
Matt Melinkovich
Everyone wants to work in an environment where they feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Research backs this up. Positive feedback promotes better performance, more energetic teams and loyal employees. People receive and show appreciation differently. Learn how to best recognize the way employees want to be appreciated and then improve your ability in showing appreciation in that manner. Lower employee turnover while improving your organization’s culture through appreciation that truly connects with everyone.
SESSION 5: 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE*
Keith Van Pelt
In today’s dynamic and competitive landscape, organizations are constantly challenged to optimize their operations to stay ahead of the curve. Operational Excellence is not just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative that drives efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction. This course is crafted to provide participants with an introduction to understanding the principles, methodologies and techniques necessary to achieve operational excellence.
BUILDING THE ULTIMATE LEADERSHIP TEAM: TEN + TWO BEST ATTRIBUTES OF GREAT LEADERS
Stuart McRae
Many of us have experienced bad leadership and the devastating effects it can have. Just like a professional sports team, leaders are only as good as the sum of their whole. Anyone can learn to become a good leader. During this interactive session, participants will learn how to identify key traits associated with good leadership. Learn how to hone in on those traits within yourself and recognize them in the people you supervise.
DEVELOPING A PROBLEM-SOLVING TEAM
Brittany Goodvin
Brittany will discuss the Lean Management System and how leaders use it to develop managers and frontline staff to improve engagement and problem solving. Participants will learn how to use a key lean tool, and Brittany will share leadership experiences in the journey to develop managers and frontline staff, including success, barriers and results, based on Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Lean Transformation.
WHAT TO SAY AND WHEN TO SAY IT – LEVERAGING EARNED MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Rebekah Fitzgerald
In the realm of business, effective communication extends beyond mere sales tactics. It’s about intertwining your business’s identity and culture with the community it serves. In this session, Rebekah will explore leveraging traditional media platforms such as newspapers and radio, focusing on crafting messages that resonate and knowing the opportune moments to deliver them. Together, participants will construct a compelling pitch and master the art of storytelling, showcasing not only your business’s ties to the community but also garnering valuable media coverage.
FEATURED LUNCH PANEL
“Excellence Unveiled: Insights from Award-Winning Business Leaders”
During the featured lunch panel, “Excellence Unveiled: Insights from Award-Winning Business Leaders,” attendees will hear from First Federal Bank & Trust President and CEO Kevin Bailey, Java Moon owner Megan Cook, AlphaGraphics co-owner Nadine Gale and Sheridan Memorial Hospital Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair.
CONFERENCE PRESENTERS:
KEVIN BAILEY, First Federal Bank & Trust
Kevin Bailey received his Business Management degree from Montana State University in 1987, his law degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1993 and his MBA from Rollins College in Orlando, Florida, in 2003. Kevin grew up in Sidney, Montana, and has lived in Sheridan with his wife, Beth since 2006. Kevin joined First Federal Bank & Trust in 2007 and became the bank president in 2018.
SHANE BROWN, DigeTeks
Shane has more than 30 years of experience designing, optimizing and securing data systems and network infrastructures for various organizations. As CEO of DigeTekS since 2008, Shane has worked to ensure strong IT security in customer environments providing expertise to hundreds of customers ranging from small environments to large organizations including Ball Aerospace, Burlington Coat Factory, airlines, banks and other agencies.
P.J. BURNS, Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network
P.J. is a Wyoming native and passionate about helping small businesses succeed. She has spent the majority of her career advising and advocating for small business in her roles at chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. She has a background in marketing, human resources, strategic planning, leadership and organizational management. She and her family enjoy the many outdoor recreational opportunities that living in this great state provides.
JULIE CHADWICK, Sheridan Media
A Sheridan College alumna, Julie has lived and worked in Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Florida and Wyoming and currently is the digital director at Sheridan Media. Julie has 18 years of experience in broadcasting, 13 years in print and website and seven years of digital marketing experience. In 2009, Julie rolled out the first of the popular online auction for Sheridan Media.com. She also implemented the online contests and promotions as well as digital marketing capabilities that Sheridan Media provides.
MEGAN COOK, Java Moon
Megan has been the owner of Sheridan coffee shop, café and bakery, Java Moon, since 2021. Prior to owning Java Moon, Megan, a certified financial planner, worked for several local financial planning businesses. Megan currently is a member of the Whitney Benefits Board of Trustees and state-wide Make A Wish Foundation Board. She is a graduate of the Leadership Sheridan County program and has served on the Downtown Sheridan Association board of directors. She is a past Girl Scout leader and volunteer Make A Wish wish grantor.
KRISTEN CZABAN, Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Kristen leads the marketing team as director of marketing and communications at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Wyoming. Prior to joining the SMH team, she worked as a journalist, editor and publisher at The Sheridan Press for 15 years and has presented at a number of conferences, including the Wyoming Press Association, Inland Press Association and the Ignite Conference.
ADELITA DURYEA, Sprout & Scale Marketing
With over six years of experience, Adelita has been carrying a passion for marketing and digital design since her first career in graphic design began in 2018. Originally an idea to sell custom apparel and printed marketing materials out of her garage, Adelita founded Sprout & Scale Marketing in September 2022. Since that time, Sprout & Scale has grown into a full marketing and branding agency, working with more than 65 brands and collaborating with some of the finest businesses in Wyoming.
REBEKAH FITZGERALD, Fitzgerald Strategies Group
Founder and principal at Fitzgerald Strategies, Rebekah is a seasoned political and communication strategist with nearly two decades of experience crafting messaging to resonate, compel and connect with community. Prior to founding Fitzgerald Strategies, she lead the communication and outreach efforts at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, outlined the top energy and environmental issues for state legislators across the country with the Council of State Governments and served as natural resource policy analyst to former Wyoming Governor Matt Mead.
NADINE GALE, AlphaGraphics
Nadine is the co-owner of AlphaGraphics of Wyoming, a full-service visual marketing and print provider in Sheridan. Nadine has a degree in communications and prior to AlphaGraphics, worked for a global corporation in the legal and compliance departments, making her an exceptional business strategist. Nadine serves on several boards including the Whitney Benefits Board of Trustees and the Chamber of Commerce board.
BRITTANY GOODVIN, Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Brittany Goodvin is the manager of Lean Transformation for Sheridan Memorial Hospital. As a Lean practitioner, Brittany coaches managers and frontline employees on daily problem solving and visual management techniques with the goal of maintaining daily operational stability. She has been a member of SMH’s Lean department for six years and holds a master’s degree in operational excellence. Throughout her career, Brittany has worked as a social worker and a regulatory specialist, where she played a pivotal role in helping the hospital maintain a continuous state of Joint Commission readiness.
BOB GRAMMENS, Sheridan Media
Employed at Sheridan Media for over 38 years, Bob currently serves as general manager. Under Bob’s leadership, Sheridan Media has diversified to become a multi-media marketing and entertainment company which includes 10 radio stations, digital media, social media, video and a print publication. Today Sheridan Media is an employee-owned, 30-person company. Bob has served on the board of the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters and as the organization’s president.
RYAN GREGORY, Apogee, LLC-Powered by Pinnacle
Ryan Gregory is a Certified Pinnacle Business Guide and a former bootstrapping entrepreneur with over a decade of experience owning and operating a successful business in Wyoming. Having navigated the journey from startup chaos to a streamlined, self-operating business model, Ryan now dedicates his expertise to helping other business leaders reach their Pinnacle. Recognized as the Wyoming SBA Small Business Person of the Year in 2019, Ryan’s practical insights and hands-on approach have made him a sought-after mentor and speaker in the business community.
JAMES F. ISHOY, Opsconn Consulting LLC
James F. Ishoy, Managing Member, Opsconn Consulting LLC
Jim Ishoy is a Certified Maxwell Leadership Executive Program Director and former CEO. Jim has extensive experience in executive-level roles in Silicon Valley manufacturing. He has directed international quality operations for 40 facilities, turning around under-performing companies, leading teams to uncover company-ending field issues, launching new products, reducing operational costs and improving complex operations. These unique experiences make him uniquely qualified to help you effectively lead your team to get great results for your organization.
DOUGLAS D. LEE
Doug Lee retired in 2015 after 36 years of working in homebuilding and mortgage banking. In the construction industry, Doug has served as a construction superintendent, new homes salesperson and sales and marketing director. He also was a mortgage loan officer for JPMorgan Chase, branch and area manager of Norwest Mortgage/Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and a regional manager of Citizens Bank Mortgage. Doug is a Leadership Evergreen graduate.
STUART MCRAE, City of Sheridan
Stuart “Stu” McRae spent 30 years on active duty with the U.S. Army retiring in 2017 as a Colonel. He experienced good and bad leaders at all levels and took lots of mental notes along the way. From those experiences, he provides insights into what good leadership can look like. Stu is currently the City of Sheridan city administrator. Every day with and through the dedicated efforts of the city staff, he endeavors to make a difference, take initiative, build trust, show optimism and promote teamwork to improve the quality of life, steward the city’s resources and effectively serve everyone who lives, works or plays in Sheridan.
MATT MELINKOVICH, Timberline Training
Matt initiated Timberline Training to educate and empower business professionals with tools for success. As a certified Innovation Growth Coach, a level two Family Business Advisor and an accredited trust facilitator, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and business experience on the topics of efficiency, innovation, leadership, trust, team building, customer interaction and value-added sales. For the past 12 years he has been using his entrepreneurial skills and business experience to help small businesses become more efficient, grow their operation and increase profits.
SCOT RENDALL, CFO4Success LLC
Scot has held various financial and accounting roles for a wide variety of companies, from Fortune 100 tech firms, such as Intel and Hewlett-Packard, to privately held small and mid-sized businesses. Most recently, Scot served as the Director of IMPACT 307, where he advised entrepreneurs and early-stage companies on business planning and how to increase the chances of success in their ventures. He currently runs a contract CFO firm, CFO4Success LLC. Scot holds a degree in economics from UCLA and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from the University of California, Berkeley.
JIM SCHELLINGER, Sheridan Media
Currently sales manager, Jim joined Sheridan Media in 1989 after two years of prior sales experience with KWIV in Douglas. Since then, he has been extremely involved in the Sheridan area and throughout the state through several organizations, including Wyoming Jaycees, the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce and Sheridan City Council. Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is a Certified Radio Marketing Consultant.
STEVEN SCHREFFLER, Sheridan Media
Steven Schreffler is the interactive media manager for Sheridan Media. He has 18 years of experience in photography and video as well as 12 years of website management.
CODY SINCLAIR, Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Cody Sinclair grew up working in his parents’ small business in Thermopolis. Following a career in the U.S. Navy and education, Cody now serves as chief development officer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Cody serves on the Sheridan Economic and Education Development Authority Joint Powers board and the Perkins board. Cody was a member of the Chamber board for seven years, serving as both president and treasurer during that time.
STACIA SKRETTEBERG, Peak Consulting, LLC
Stacia has over 20 years’ experience in the human resources field. Over the past 13 years she has been providing consulting to both for profit and non-profit organizations. She has held human resources and management roles in industries spanning retail, communications, hospitality and food and beverage. She provides clients with innovative HR solutions that are easy to implement. Her passion for human resources is clear, as is her down-to-earth realistic approach to assisting clients in solving their workplace issues.
KEITH VAN PELT, OP X WEST
The founder of consulting firm OP X WEST, Keith is a results-driven and seasoned business executive with extensive experience in optimizing business processes, enhancing operational efficiency and driving organizational growth. He has held key leadership roles in Fortune 20 organizations as well as small start-up companies. Adept at formulating and executing strategic initiatives to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve overall productivity, Keith has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, implementing innovative solutions and achieving operational excellence across various industries.
GAGE WANDLER, L&H Industrial, Inc.
At L&H Industrial, Inc., Gage Wandler has made a significant leap as the Digital Business Development Manager, capitalizing on his vast experience in heavy industrial manufacturing, welding, machining and coordination of complex projects. By pioneering the “OPS IQ Digital Monitoring Solutions,” an IIoT platform, he has redefined how data analytics can breathe new life into legacy industrial equipment. Gage’s ability to quickly adapt to and implement cutting-edge technologies, transitioning from hands-on field service to spearheading digital innovation, showcases his dedication to operational excellence, teamwork enhancement and visionary leadership.
BROOKE WELCH, MC2 Collaborative
Brooke is a marketing and graphic design aficionado with nearly 20 years of experience. She began her career at a small business in Bozeman before becoming a sought-after instructor for social media courses tailored to small businesses. From 2012 on, Brooke expanded her instructional work, delivering courses ranging from 30-minute sessions on social media best practices to comprehensive eight-hour immersive programs covering the entire course creation, launch and execution process. Her expertise and engaging teaching style have made her a valuable resource for small businesses seeking guidance and clarity with social media marketing.
