• 2025 PACC BUSINESS SUMMIT
    & TRADE SHOW AGENDA

     

     

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    KEYNOTE: Improving Your Agility With Improvisation

    “Improvisation is not an alternative to analysis and planning. It is a complement. You need both. You cannot run everything by improvising, but you cannot run anything without it.” —Robert Poynton 

    Improvisation is not just for theatre games. It’s a skill we can hone that can help us better navigate a world that is complex, unscripted, interconnected, and ever-changing. Together we’ll experiment with some live improv and share stories of how we can “Notice More. Let Go. Use Everything.” to become more productive and respond to events beyond our control. 

    We are all improvisers—rarely do we get to follow a script for our conversations or our business decisions! The principles of improv—Notice More. Let Go. Use Everything.—are valuable skills for business leaders. They help us to be more present, pause, and pivot when the unexpected occurs. Improvisation is a skill we can hone that can help us better navigate a world that is complex, unscripted, interconnected, and ever-changing. Together we’ll experiment with improv exercises and learn how we can “Notice More. Let Go. Use Everything.” to become more productive and agile as we respond to events beyond our control. 

    Meg Allwein 
    Strategy Accelerator
    MWA Consulting
    MegAllwein.com 

    Meg Allwein accelerates strategic plan execution for organizations, leveraging her background in stage management, business operations, and board governance. She provides board & leadership team assessments, planning facilitation, and strategic project coordination.

    Using her superpowers of active listening, making order out of chaos, and getting things done, Meg makes a difference for “people-first” organizations. She approaches challenges with curiosity and an unflagging dedication to quality. She believes honesty matters, details are important, and to be trusted is to be accountable.

    Meg has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Duke University and a master's in business from The Ohio State University. She is a music lover, traveler, hiker, writer, and mom.

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    LUNCH PANEL: AI in Action: How the CFS Team Uses AI to Streamline, Strengthen, and Scale

    Cummins Facility Services
     

              

    Cathy Waddell – Marketing (brand voice, growth plans, market research) 
    Chris Brazell – HR (streamlining screening, recruiting, application review) 
    Missy Haas – Finance (P&L, data security, growth projections, competitor analysis) 
    Tina King – Logistics/Operations (scheduling, inventory) 

    Join the leadership team from Cummins Facility Services for a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is transforming the way they operate, grow, and serve. In this lunch panel, you’ll hear real-life examples from four departments—Logistics, Marketing, Finance, and HR—on how AI is being used in simple, powerful ways to boost efficiency, improve decision-making, and drive business results. 

    From automating work routes and simplifying recruiting, to sharpening financial forecasting and refining brand strategy, this session will give you approachable, practical ideas for using AI in your own organization—no tech background needed. 

    Let’s take the mystery out of AI. In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll walk through what artificial intelligence really is (in plain English!) and how everyday business owners and professionals can start using it to work smarter—not harder. 

    Whether you're looking to save time, create content faster, or stay more organized, this session will offer easy, practical ways to get started with AI—no tech background needed. We’ll cover simple tools, real-life examples, and actionable tips you can take back and use right away. If you’ve been curious about AI but didn’t know where to begin, this session is for you. 

    Come hungry for lunch and insight—you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with tools you can put into action. 

     

  • BREAKOUT SESSIONS

    Optimizing for AI: GEO vs SEO 

    Session 2 (1:45 - 2:25 PM) & Session 3 (2:40 - 3:20 PM)

    In this myth-busting session, we’ll break down the rise of AI-generated results, what it means for small and midsize businesses, and how to actually get found—whether someone’s searching for “best dog groomer near me” or “how to hire a fractional CFO.” 

    Key Takeaways:  

    • Why GEO needs SEO (and where most people get it wrong) 
    • What AI search is prioritizing now, and how that affects your rankings  
    • How to fine-tune your content, listings, and local signals without a full rebrand 
    • Simple, strategic updates that boost visibility for real humans and algorithms 

    Amanda Kern 
    Emerald Creative Content 

    Amanda Kerns is the Founder and CEO of Emerald Creative Content and leader of a talented team of creatives in Columbus. She is proud to be the Columbus Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Emerging Leader. Amanda works with business owners and marketing agencies to build powerful websites, stunning social media content, and high-performance SEO strategies through content worth sharing. Though her professional path led her beyond the classroom, public education and educational equity will always hold a special place in her heart. 

    Ashley Hegarty Smith
    Emerald Creative Content 

    Ashley Hegarty Smith is a Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Emerald Creative Content. As a teacher-turned-small-business-marketer, Ashley is passionate about demystifying SEO and equipping business owners with the knowledge they need to get more eyeballs on their products and services. You can catch her outside the office at a Crew game, near any body of water, or in the fantasy section of a local bookstore. 

     

    Difficult Conversations Made Easier: No more avoiding the tough/uncomfortable talks 

    Session 3 (2:40 - 3:20 PM)

    We will discuss tips, techniques, mindset and language to engage in honest, clear and respectful conversations anytime, anywhere and with anyone. 

    Key Takeaways:  

    • Identify what's really getting in the way of saying what needs to be said 
    • Manage emotional triggers—yours and theirs
    • Manage emotional triggers—yours and theirs
    • Create safe space for accountability and clarity 

    Diana Westhoff
    SPEAK 4 You, LLC

    Diana Westhoff is a professional leader achieving service excellence and financial results through collaboration, communications, consultation, inclusion, and leadership development. Thriving in a fast-paced environment and consistently delivers in challenging situations, she is a highly networked individual and public speaker on diversity & inclusion and leadership development topics to large corporations, in both consulting and volunteer roles, for some of central Ohio’s largest organizations. People are her project, and her product. She instinctively develops people and tends to do it by bringing methods and process and accountability to what she does. She is a natural trainer and works to build a learning organization, a place intentionally designed to expand each person's experience, understanding, and performance.

    Diana’s professional career spanned 40 years in the financial services industry. During her tenure at these organizations, she is certified in DDI and Crucial Conversations coursework, created Onboarding programs, managed internal business communications to approximately 1,000 Commercial colleagues, partnered with Risk and Compliance colleagues managing regulatory projects. Her areas of expertise include leadership, coaching, strategy & execution, risk, branding, facilitation, training & development, communications, and courage. 

     

    Time Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder 

    Session 1 (11:50 AM - 12:30 PM) & Session 2 (1:45 - 2:25 PM)

    This workshop, presented by the Ohio Auditor of State, focuses on helping professionals work more effectively by managing their time with purpose and clarity. In today’s fast-paced and resource-constrained world, effective time management is essential for professionals seeking to reduce stress, boost productivity, and stay aligned with their purpose. This dynamic and engaging workshop helps participants take control of their time by connecting their daily actions to personal core values and long-term career goals. Through interactive exercises and proven frameworks, attendees will learn how to prioritize effectively, plan with intention, and build lasting habits that drive performance and well-being. Whether you're juggling multiple responsibilities or simply looking to reclaim your time, this session will equip you with practical tools to work smarter, not harder. 

    Dorinda Byers 
    Ohio Auditor of State 

    With more than 20 years of experience, Dorinda possesses a proven track record of increasing organizational effectiveness, shaping cultures, strengthening teams, and positioning clients for sustainability and growth.  Dorinda’s diverse employment background includes workforce, outreach, sales, and economic development in community colleges, manufacturing, and universities.  Dorinda holds a Master's degree from Muskingum University and a Bachelor's from Ohio State and is a Business Development Consultant at the Ohio Auditor of State where she helps improve efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of government programs and organizations.  She loves to cook, read, walk, travel, and spend time with her husband and spoil her nieces and nephews.  

     

    Building a Referral Machine for Your Business

    Session 2 (1:45 - 2:25 PM) & Session 3 (2:40 - 3:20 PM)

    We will cover how to build a well-structured referral program that encourages your customers to help you bring in more customers, including customer service, loyalty incentives, and strategic promotion. 

    Key Takeaways:

    • How to deliver an exceptional customer experience 
    • How to design and implement a referral program that fits your business 
    • How to strategically promote your referral program 
    • How to track, analyze, and use data to learn and improve it over time 

    Irina Papuc 
    Galactic Fed 

    A former physicist, Irina is the co-founder and managing partner of Galactic Fed, a digital marketing agency built from the data, AI, and growth techniques that launched Silicon Valley’s most iconic brands. Irina pioneered her approach with a team of mathematicians and software engineers, and since 2017, Galactic Fed has helped over 600 companies grow. 

     

    Business Certification (MBE, WBE, VBE): State Certification Made Easy

    Session 1 (11:50 AM - 12:30 PM) & Session 2 (1:45 - 2:25 PM)

    Certifying your Women, Minority, Veteran, or Economically Disadvantaged Business. Access to Capital with the Department of Development 

    Key Takeaways: 

    • Understanding the process of becoming certified and contacts to assist with it
    • Knowledge on state lending programs 
    • Knowledge of additional resources available to support growth of small business - i.e. grants, contracts accounting, attorney and marketing services

    Heather Landon 
    Columbus Urban League 

    Heather Landon is a distinguished financial professional and community advocate with a robust career spanning over two decades. Currently serving as a Small Business Financial Coach at the Columbus Urban League's Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), she empowers small businesses by providing expert financial guidance and support. 

    Prior to her role at the Columbus Urban League, Heather was the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of Heartland Bank's Pickerington location. During her tenure, she was instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence and community engagement. Her leadership was pivotal in the bank's response during the pandemic, where she and her team provided critical support to clients and local businesses, ensuring access to essential financial services. 

    Heather is currently a board member of the Ohio Statewide Development Corporation (OSDC) and the No Pause- Shane Hall Memorial Music Scholarship Foundation. She also is actively involved with the BrockStrong Foundation, the Byron Saunders Foundation and Pelotonia. Her efforts have led to significant contributions, such as raising funds to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need, Christmas gifts for children, and essential supplies for families with sick children at Nationwide Children's Hospital. A native of Whitehall, Ohio, Heather graduated from Whitehall Yearling High School and has since been deeply rooted in Central Ohio. She raised her two sons, Zak and Tyler, in Canal Winchester and currently resides in Groveport. Her personal and professional goal is to enhance the financial well-being and overall quality of life within her community. With extensive expertise in financial services and unwavering commitment to community development, she is looked upon as a leading figure in fostering economic empowerment and social progress. 

     

    Integration Experience: Release Overwhelm & Step Into Clarity

    Session 3 (2:40 - 3:20 PM)

    The power of taking a pause is an often-overlooked strategy in the bustling world of business, but  
    brain science shows that learning doesn’t really stick during the moment we hear something new. It actually sinks in later — when we pause and take time to process. If we don’t take time to process, even the best ideas can fade away.  

    The Integration experience provides a space to shift gears and let all of the new information come into focus – to clarify what’s important and what’s not. If you’re feeling overloaded and disconnected after a full day of sessions, you’re not alone. This guided, end-of-day experience offers space to reset, reflect on what you’ve learned, and connect more deeply with others. Walk away feeling grounded, clear, and recharged—ready to turn insight into Action. 

    Key Takeaways: 

    • Understand how taking a pause helps the brain remember what you’ve learned 
    • Identify key insights to clarify the most relevant step for your professional growth 
    • Engage in a simple process involving breath, reflection, and peer conversation to leave you feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to take action 
    • Establish valuable connections and expand your network by sharing thoughts and listening to different perspectives with others at your table 

    Kristen Peairs, MS
    Founder
    Leap Ah-ha Coaching
    KristenPeairs.com

    Kristen Peairs, MS, is a coach who empowers professionals to move from uncertainty to confident clarity. Whether the struggle is a challenging relationship or a stalled project, Kristen helps illuminate an aligned path forward. Through storytelling and compassionate humor, she demonstrates how complex problems can be unraveled one thread at a time.

    She is the author of Standing in the Question, a problem-resolving process that helps professionals identify their unique path to a solution. With a background as a Transformational Coach, Registered Dietitian, and Mindfulness Facilitator, Kristen has spent 20 years helping countless people break through frustration, achieve greater satisfaction, and create meaningful success in both their personal and professional lives.

    She has a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Drexel University and a master's degree in nutrition science from Bastyr University. She has completed thousands of hours of additional education in subjects ranging from non-violent communication, emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, and spirituality.

     

    Digital Marketing Outlook & 2026 Trends Preview

    Session 2 (1:45 - 2:25 PM) & Session 3 (2:40 - 3:20 PM)

    Explore the emerging trends shaping the future of marketing across 4 key areas—Search, Social, Video & Data—in a fast-paced session designed to inform and inspire. This presentation will set the stage for our in-depth, 3-hour PACC Business Academy workshop on November 12, where we’ll take a deeper dive into each trend and provide actionable strategies to help businesses stay ahead. 

    Key Takeaways: Attendees will leave with  

    • a better understanding of where marketing is headed
    • a glossary of foundational terms 
    • a framework to start thinking strategically about the changes impacting their businesses, all in preparation for the upcoming workshop where we’ll dive deeper into each trend & translate insights into actions they can take now. 

            

    Helen Speiser
    Third Street Digital 

    Helen Speiser has been in digital marketing for over 15 years — and WOW! A lot has changed. She started her career in digital at the Chicago Tribune, leaving her role as a Digital Sales Manager in 2012 to move to Columbus. Helen spent the next 10 years at WBNS, where she led an in-house boutique agency before taking the leap and launching Third Street Digital at the end of 2021.

    Mallory Khan
    Third Street Digital 

    Mallory Khan is a performance-driven marketing and sales professional with over a decade of experience growing revenue and market share for multi-million-dollar brands. She specializes in developing and executing data-informed marketing strategies that drive measurable results, from brand awareness to consumer loyalty. Mallory's expertise lies in uncovering actionable insights from market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive analysis to create campaigns that resonate and convert. Whether leading omnichannel initiatives or optimizing customer engagement, Mallory brings a strategic mindset and a clear focus on ROI.

    Meredith Miles
    Third Street Digital 

    Meredith began her career at NBC4, splitting time between the digital sides of news, marketing and sales. She left news for the ad agency world, working as a strategic media planner & buyer for nearly 10 years before a pivot client-side, joining Land-Grant Brewing as their Director of Communications for a few years. Meredith returned to agency life as part of her desire to work cross-functionally across both client and brand work and joined the Third Street team in July 2023. 

     

    Understanding Your Business Financials

    Session 1 (11:50 AM - 12:30 PM) & Session 2 (1:45 - 2:25 PM)

    Understanding Your Business Financials, will help you identify the basic information regarding your business’s finances and the records you will be obligated to keep. Understanding your financial statements is critical to managing your business’s success. Solid financials are also critical for working hand-in-hand with your accountant.

    Erin Gibson, CBA
    Small Business Development Center
    Ohio University, Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Service

    Erin Gibson is a Certified Business Advisor® with the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs. Erin serves four counties in Southeastern Ohio: Athens, Hocking, Perry, and Fairfield. She has experience consulting small businesses from all industries in business planning, financial analysis, market planning and assistance in securing financing. Gibson instructs Basis of a Successful Start (BOSS) business trainings, as well as Profit Mastery courses.

    Gibson obtained her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications from Ohio University. Prior to joining the Voinovich School, Gibson worked in economic development. She is also a Certified Profit Mastery facilitator through Business Resource Services.