🏆 Thank You to Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor: T-Fiber
Gold Sponsor: Daily Camera & Yellowscene Magazine
SUBMIT A QUESTION
Join us for a dynamic morning of conversation with local media leaders, marketing experts, and Chamber professionals as we dive into how small businesses can effectively share their stories, leverage advertising and AI, and maximize marketing through the Chamber.
Event Schedule:
8:30 AM — Check-in & Coffee
Doors open for attendee check-in and networking
9:00–9:50 AM — Meet the Newsroom PanelLearn how to connect with local media, pitch your stories, and understand what makes your news stand out.Moderator: Al Manzi
9:50–10:10 AM — Break
10:15–11:00 AM — Advertising, Marketing & AI PanelExplore the digital marketing landscape, learn how AI is transforming marketing, and discover how to maximize your ROI.Moderator: Al Manzi
11:20–11:30 AM — Leveraging Your Chamber for MarketingChamber leaders share how membership helps businesses amplify their reach and connect locally.Speakers: Katey McNeil (Lafayette Chamber) & Gillian Millar (Louisville Chamber)
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — NetworkingMeet media panelists, marketing experts, and fellow business owners to continue the conversation.
John VahlenkampRegional Editor, Prairie Mountain MediaOversees major Colorado publications including Daily Camera and Times-Call. A 30+ year journalism veteran committed to impactful local news.
Shavonne BladesPublisher, Yellow Scene MagazineFounder of Yellow Scene, independent community journalist, and advocate for authentic storytelling with 30+ years of experience.
Chris WoodEditor & Publisher, BizWestLeader in business journalism. Co-founder of Northern Colorado Business Report and recognized voice in Colorado’s business community.
Katey McNeilExecutive Director, Lafayette Chamber of CommerceCommunity leader dedicated to local business advocacy and Chamber member success.
Gillian MillarExecutive Director, Louisville Chamber of CommerceFocused on promoting economic vitality and creating impactful business-community connections.
Scott LeithOwner, WSI Digital MarketingExpert in AI-driven marketing solutions, with 25+ years in business leadership and digital strategy development.
Jim GrecoOwner, NoCo Community AdSpaceSpecialist in digital billboard marketing and data-driven advertising with 25+ years in analytics.
Jeanine FritzAdvertising Manager, Prairie Mountain MediaLeads advertising efforts across several Colorado publications and brings deep expertise in local print and digital ad strategy.
Katey McNeilExecutive Director, Lafayette Chamber of CommerceConnector of local businesses with marketing opportunities through Chamber programs.
Gillian MillarExecutive Director, Louisville Chamber of CommerceChampion of local business marketing and community engagement through Chamber initiatives.
John VahlenkampRegional Editor, Prairie Mountain MediaJohn Vahlenkamp oversees editorial operations for several leading Colorado publications, including the Daily Camera, Longmont Times-Call, and Colorado Hometown Weekly. With more than 30 years of journalism experience, he has guided newsrooms to deliver impactful local journalism. John began at the Longmont Times-Call in 2004 and became Regional Editor in 2024. He holds a journalism degree from the University of North Texas and has earned multiple state and national awards for his work.
Shavonne BladesPublisher, Yellow Scene MagazineShavonne Blades founded Yellow Scene Magazine in 2000 after working for alternative weeklies and developing her passion for independent media. With over 30 years of experience in design, copywriting, and marketing, she believes in true community journalism and has never compromised journalistic integrity. YS continues to publish monthly print editions and digital content.
Chris WoodEditor & Publisher, BizWestChris Wood co-founded the Northern Colorado Business Report, which later merged into BizWest. With over 30 years in business journalism, he is known for insightful and engaging content. He is a past recipient of numerous industry accolades and served as Colorado Small Business Journalist of the Year in 2001. Chris is a University of Colorado Boulder graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Katey McNeilExecutive Director, Lafayette Chamber of CommerceKatey McNeil leads initiatives supporting Lafayette businesses, focusing on advocacy, networking, and local promotion. She brings a collaborative approach to fostering economic growth and helping businesses connect through Chamber programming.
Gillian MillarExecutive Director, Louisville Chamber of CommerceGillian Millar champions Louisville’s business community through advocacy, member marketing, and creating programs that connect and promote local businesses. Her focus is on community-first leadership and supporting local economic vitality.
Scott LeithOwner, WSI Digital MarketingScott Leith leads a full-service digital marketing firm specializing in AI integration. With over 25 years of experience across multiple industries, including founding and selling businesses, he helps small businesses leverage AI, SEO, paid media, and content marketing to grow their presence and efficiency.
Jim GrecoOwner, NoCo Community AdSpaceJim Greco founded NoCo Community AdSpace to help local businesses reach audiences through digital billboards in everyday locations. Previously, he held senior roles in marketing research and analytics at Oracle and Nielsen, bringing over 25 years of expertise in media measurement and strategy.
Jeanine FritzAdvertising Manager, Prairie Mountain MediaJeanine Fritz manages advertising for publications such as the Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call. With over 25 years in publishing, she is a leader in delivering effective local advertising strategies and building strong client relationships.
Katey McNeilExecutive Director, Lafayette Chamber of CommerceKatey supports Chamber members with marketing programs and partnerships that help businesses connect with the community and increase visibility.
Gillian MillarExecutive Director, Louisville Chamber of CommerceGillian leads marketing and engagement programs that help Louisville businesses grow through Chamber-backed initiatives and promotional campaigns.
Join us for a dynamic double-panel event designed with small businesses in mind! First up, Meet the Newsroom—hear directly from local journalists about how to pitch your story and build valuable media relationships. Then, shift into strategy mode with our Advertising, Marketing & AI Panel, packed with practical tips to stretch your budget and supercharge your 2025 growth with smart tech. Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and elevate your business! By Louisville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025🕘 Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Registration opens at 8:30)📍 Location: The Louisville Underground, 649 Main Street, Louisville, CO 80027
🎟️ Tickets:
$20 Members ($15 Early Bird through April 30)
$30 Non-Member
Have a login? Login Now
{{vm.loginInfo.errorMessage}}
Create an Account
Forgot your Username or Password?
Register as Guest
Address
Phone
{{slot.Name}}
{{ vm.EventInfo.EventSettings.NoShowPolicy }}