Media, Marketing and AI Educational Summit

Description

🏆 Thank You to Our Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor: T-Fiber

Gold Sponsor: Daily Camera & Yellowscene Magazine 

SUBMIT A QUESTION

EVENT OVERVIEW

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 Panel
Learn 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 Panel
Explore 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 Marketing
Chamber 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 — Networking
Meet media panelists, marketing experts, and fellow business owners to continue the conversation.

PANELISTS

Meet the Newsroom Panel

John Vahlenkamp
Regional Editor, Prairie Mountain Media
Oversees major Colorado publications including Daily Camera and Times-Call. A 30+ year journalism veteran committed to impactful local news.

Shavonne Blades
Publisher, Yellow Scene Magazine
Founder of Yellow Scene, independent community journalist, and advocate for authentic storytelling with 30+ years of experience.

Chris Wood
Editor & Publisher, BizWest
Leader in business journalism. Co-founder of Northern Colorado Business Report and recognized voice in Colorado’s business community.

Katey McNeil
Executive Director, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
Community leader dedicated to local business advocacy and Chamber member success.

Gillian Millar
Executive Director, Louisville Chamber of Commerce
Focused on promoting economic vitality and creating impactful business-community connections.

Advertising, Marketing & AI Panel

Scott Leith
Owner, WSI Digital Marketing
Expert in AI-driven marketing solutions, with 25+ years in business leadership and digital strategy development.

Jim Greco
Owner, NoCo Community AdSpace
Specialist in digital billboard marketing and data-driven advertising with 25+ years in analytics.

Jeanine Fritz
Advertising Manager, Prairie Mountain Media
Leads advertising efforts across several Colorado publications and brings deep expertise in local print and digital ad strategy.

Katey McNeil
Executive Director, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
Connector of local businesses with marketing opportunities through Chamber programs.

Gillian Millar
Executive Director, Louisville Chamber of Commerce
Champion of local business marketing and community engagement through Chamber initiatives.

PANELISTS + FULL BIOS

Meet the Newsroom Panel

John Vahlenkamp
Regional Editor, Prairie Mountain Media
John 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 Blades
Publisher, Yellow Scene Magazine
Shavonne 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 Wood
Editor & Publisher, BizWest
Chris 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 McNeil
Executive Director, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
Katey 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 Millar
Executive Director, Louisville Chamber of Commerce
Gillian 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.

Advertising, Marketing & AI Panel

Scott Leith
Owner, WSI Digital Marketing
Scott 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 Greco
Owner, NoCo Community AdSpace
Jim 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 Fritz
Advertising Manager, Prairie Mountain Media
Jeanine 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 McNeil
Executive Director, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
Katey supports Chamber members with marketing programs and partnerships that help businesses connect with the community and increase visibility.

Gillian Millar
Executive Director, Louisville Chamber of Commerce
Gillian leads marketing and engagement programs that help Louisville businesses grow through Chamber-backed initiatives and promotional campaigns.