Mid-America EDC Webinars

UPCOMING WEBINARS

(Registration information for each webinar will be added as details are confirmed.)

May 15, 2024, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Unleashing the Power of AI in Economic Development Content Creation!

Discover the transformative potential of AI in economic development with Golden Shovel Agency’s presentation on AI and ChatGPT. This concise session covers some best practices including strategic planning, branding, editing, and ethical considerations in AI-generated content. Learn how to harness AI for impactful content creation, navigating its nuances and maximizing its benefits. Join us for an empowering journey into integrating AI into your economic development strategies, and revolutionize your approach to content creation.

CLICK HERE to register for this webinar!

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June 26, 2024, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Empowering Small Businesses: A Discussion with Amazon on Tools for Growth

This informative webinar will spotlight the journeys of four successful Amazon sellers from the Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) region, showcasing how they have leveraged Amazon's robust suite of resources to grow and scale their small businesses. In-depth discussions will explore how these entrepreneurs have also strategically tapped into the support and programs offered by their state and local communities, including networks and other valuable resources to navigate the path to sustainable growth and expansion. Their inspiring stories will provide attendees with actionable insights and practical tips that can be applied to bolster their own entrepreneurial ventures, while gaining the knowledge and inspiration to thrive in the dynamic world of e-commerce and beyond.

CLICK HERE to register for this webinar

IEDC%20Logo The 2024 Mid America EDC Webinars are recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts toward recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD). By registering and attending three (3) out of four (4) Mid America EDC webinars, you will earn 1 Level III IEDC credit for continuing ed credits for CEcD recertification.

PAST WEBINARS

February 28, 2024, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Workforce in Rural Areas… Best Practices for Keeping and Attracting Talent!

Rural communities are faced with many challenges: lack of broadband access, lack of diversity, rural brain drain, limited community resources, and strapped infrastructure. Every rural community is different in the challenges they face, but there are still best practices in managing a rural workforce effort. For over a decade, Ryan Scribner had managed a rural workforce program called Pickaway WORKS, during this webinar Ryan, and Nate Green with Montrose Group, will share best practices for keeping and attracting talent and how they can be applied to any rural community.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

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October 25, 2023, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Digital Tools and Opportunities for Rural Economic Development

The digital age offers huge opportunities for economic developers especially those working in rural communities.

Social media is probably the most underutilized tool in the tool kit for investment promotion strategies and one that should not be overlooked. Applications like LinkedIn offer unprecedented and cost-effective opportunities to connect with investors while building awareness of your region. Learn how to leverage social media effectively to make business connections that will benefit your community.

Post COVID digitization of the workplace has seen a rise in remote workforce and a new age of ‘digital nomads.’ The workforce is moving out of cities in search of a better quality of life and lower cost of living. Rural communities are quickly becoming aware that capitalizing on this shift can offer access to talent and an influx of human capital that will attract investors. Learn from case studies how your region can incorporate remote work into a successful economic development program.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

CLICK HERE for the PowerPoint Presentation.

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August 30, 2023, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Rural Broadband - 21st Century Economic Development Using Old School Methods

Utilizing Local, State, Federal & Private funding to fill in the gaps is the target. Achieving that target while navigating the rules of local, state, federal and even private contributions can be just as challenging before a foot of fiber is installed. Taking past public/private partnership successes as a guide, here in the Ames MSA we are filling in hundreds of square miles of rural areas across both Story County and Boone County in Iowa that is as essential anymore to residents and businesses as water, sewer, and electrical power in the 21st century.

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June 28, 2023, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Rural Capital Funding: Rural Microloans and Entrepreneurial Support
Many entrepreneurs struggle to access the capital needed to start or scale their business and this can be even more difficult in rural areas where there tend to be fewer institutional lenders and technical support is often decentralized and poorly promoted. Tune in to hear how two Minnesota organizations are seeing success providing wrap-around services and financial solutions to small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural areas.

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April 26, 2023, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Rural Placemaking

Communities are increasingly competing for not just businesses but also residents and workers. Creating a unique sense of place and engaging place to live is one way to set your community apart, especially as a rural area. Placemaking is one strategy that communities use to cultivate resident and business engagement in and support for community development. This webinar highlights case studies and funding resources available to rural communities interested in advancing placemaking initiatives at the local level.

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March 29, 2023, 12:30-1:30 PM ET - Visit KC: 2023 Best Practice Conference Overview

This month’s webinar will feature Cathleen Flournoy, VP of Business Recruitment at the Missouri Partnership and Brad Reams, Industrial Park Director at the Great Plains Development Authority, they will provide an overview of the upcoming Best Practices Conference. The 2023 Best Practices Conference will be held May 10-12, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. You will hear from Cathleen and Brad about the various conference sessions and events/activities, as well as some background on the various facilities hosting the events in Kansas City this year. There will also be opportunities to ask questions.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn best practices from industry professionals and experts. There will also be plenty of opportunities for networking with your Midwest colleagues, as well as the opportunity to experience the development and innovation that Kansas City has to offer!

Click Here for the recorded webinar!

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February 22, 2023 1:00-2:00 PM ET

Site Selection Trends

Understanding corporate site location trends is an important tool for companies, communities and policymakers to recognize in the hopes of encouraging the creation of high-wage jobs and capital investment. While 2023 has started with an economic slowdown driven by the rebirth of inflation created by massive government spending matched by a supply chain challenge, opportunities do exist for success in the New Year. Join the Montrose Group as they share their annual top 10 list of corporate site location trends.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

CLICK HERE for the PowerPoint Presentation.

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January 25, 2023 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Rural Report Roll Out

At this year's Competitiveness Conference, the Mid America EDC Rural Initiatives Committee presented an overview of its Rural Initiatives Programming Analysis & Recommendations, completed in partnership with the Midwest-based economic development consulting and site selection firm, The Montrose Group. Recognizing that our rural communities offer tremendous economic development and talent attraction opportunities, improving site readiness, small business entrepreneurship, and overall quality of life attributes are all key to competitive economic development approaches. Please join us for a webinar that dives deeper into the research, benchmarking and recommendations from the Rural Initiatives Programming Analysis & Recommendations report.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

CLICK HERE for the PowerPoint Presentation.

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October 26, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Railroad Introduction and Site Development

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. We at BNSF work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. BNSF Economic Development Department will present on an introduction to the railroad and rail site development.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

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September 28, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Iowa State University Student Innovation Center - Winner of the Mid-America EDC 2021 Entrepreneurship Award

The Student Innovation Center is the nexus on campus that inspires students, faculty and staff to innovate through experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and free exchange of ideas in an inclusive environment. The center is a resource serving the entire university community with unique facilities and workspaces to foster innovation across all aspects of Iowa State’s land-grant mission. It provides a welcoming and vibrant environment where all university stakeholders can find resources to foster new ideas, creativity, experimentation, evaluation and entrepreneurship; especially at the intersection of traditional disciplines.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

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August 24, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Placemaking as Economic Development Strategy

More communities are incorporating placemaking as a tool in their economic development toolbox. Placemaking initiatives promote unique and engaging places that attract and retain residents and workers while also creating an opportunity to cultivate resident and business engagement in and support for community development. This session will summarize successful strategies for encouraging effective local placemaking efforts, highlight examples of successful initiatives and projects and identify impacts resulting from placemaking projects. Our speakers include representatives from statewide and regional initiatives throughout the Midwest.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

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June 28, 2022 12:30-1:15 PM ET

2022 Best Practices Conference Overview

This month’s webinar will feature Horton Hobbs, Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Springfield Chamber, as he provides an overview of the upcoming Best Practices Conference. The 2022 Best Practices Conference, themed “Vibrancy Matters!”, will be held July 13-15, 2022 in Springfield, Ohio. You will hear from Horton Hobbs about the various conference sessions and events/activities, as well as some background on the various facilities hosting the events in Springfield this year. There will also be opportunities to ask questions.

Big or small, vibrancy matters! Plan to join us in Springfield, Ohio to learn how a Midwestern community is leveraging its assets to create vibrancy and sustainable economic growth. Attendees will not only learn from the presenters and each other, but will leave with actionable ideas to build upon their own community’s assets. Along with educational sessions, take advantage of interesting, unique tours, and - of course - enjoy multiple opportunities for networking and getting to know your fellow Midwest economic development professionals and stakeholders in economic development. This is one conference you do not want to miss.

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May 25, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Groundbreaking Strategies to Solve the Housing Shortage in Your Community Webinar

A lack of entry-level housing could be the biggest thing preventing workers from moving to communities. Solving this challenge requires a comprehensive plan and more than a little creativity.

Bethany Quinn, VP Strategy & Content Development, spoke with economic developers and community leaders from throughout North America to compile best practices and strategies that have worked to spur housing development at the local level. These solutions are being presented in our latest whitepaper so that economic developers can be inspired and empowered to solve the housing crisis for their communities.

You won't find this collection of strategies and solutions anywhere else. They are diverse, actionable and proven.

Economic developers who attend this presentation and read the whitepaper will benefit from reviewing comprehensive housing strategies without needing to do the research.

Download the whitepaper here for more information:
https://www.goldenshovelagency.com/housing-shortages

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

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April 27, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Inclusive Economic Development: Good for Growth, Good for Workforce, Good for Communities Webinar

Please join us as we revisit this interesting, relevant topic presented at the 2021 Competitiveness Conference in Chicago! Recognizing the need for authentic collaboration to advance the economy, understand the impact of diversity in business, and improve opportunities for citizens, this panel will discuss how investments in community-driven strategies support diversity, equity and inclusion.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

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March 23, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM ET

A New Lens for Cyber: Exploring the Economics of Digital Risk and Readiness Webinar

Until recently, a breach or a hack affecting your organization may have seemed like a low-probability, high-impact risk that could be mitigated by cyber insurance alone. Now, organizations are forced to contend with the eventual inevitably of being impacted, and the “hardened” cyber insurance market may not be able to fully meet the needs of many organizations. Let’s explore how organizations can work to minimize damages and downtime, obtain appropriate insurance coverage, and understand their options when it comes to readiness. Specific topics include:

Digital Risk- What is it and how can you measure it?
The Dollarization Equation- How can you determine the potential economic impact of an event?
Readiness- How can you improve your cyber posture? How does cyber insurance fit into a larger picture of readiness?

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar!

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February 23, 2022 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Award-Winning Project Overview: Greater Springfield Partnership Magnify Career Videos and Career TV Webinar

Join us for a project overview webinar of our 2021 Annual Award Winner in the Talent & Workforce Large Community Category! In November of 2020, the Greater Springfield Partnership launched a suite of talent retention programs and activities branded as “Magnify.” These include a series of 19 videos highlighting the 16 nationally recognized career clusters, internships and experiences with employers, and Career TV. Career TV allows the Partnership to deliver video content to each of the fourteen (14) public and private High Schools in Clark County remotely from their office. The “How It’s Made” style videos showcase information about local companies, products/services, employment and career opportunities, as well as education requirements and wage information.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

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January 26, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Successfully Navigating the Dual Demands of Business + Talent Growth and Diversification Webinar

The biggest trend impacting economic development over the past ten years is the difficulty that companies have in being able to find qualified workforces. This long-term trend is rooted in basic demographics – declining birth rates, increasing retirements, and related factors – which Ady Advantage outlined in depth during the Midwest Talent Strategies research and publications that we developed for MAEDC members in 2019. Fast forward two years: despite COVID, qualified talent is still in short supply for many industrial, professional, scientific and technical companies. In this session, you will learn:

What the implications are for midwestern EDOs
How to position your community for continued success in a talent-gap world
The eight critical guidelines for addressing talent smartly
Insider perspectives of how the business development world is changing and what it means for EDOs
Examples and best practices from your peers

Note: This webinar is a repeat of a session presented live and in-person at the Mid-America EDC competitiveness conference in Chicago. We received numerous requests for an encore for those who couldn’t attend in person, or those who did and want to hear it again.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

CLICK HERE for the PowerPoint Presentation.

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December 8, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Building the Rural Public-Private-Partnership to Attract Industrial Development Webinar

Industrial development is enjoying an economic renaissance driven by changing consumer demand for e-commerce and the potential for Back-shoring the American industry supply-chain, and the 60,000,000 rural Americans provide a strong industrial workforce base but global pressures for competitive sites demand the creation of Public-Private-Partnerships. Please join the Mid-America EDC webinar on Building the Rural Public-Private-Partnerships to Attract Industrial Development to learn from the experts at the Montrose Group about how to create opportunities for the attraction of high wage industrial jobs and billions in capital investment while providing an ROI for local governments and schools. Montrose Group is a national economic development consulting firm who works with dozens of rural communities and developers to create high-wage industrial jobs and capital investment. This webinar will provide an interesting and interactive discussion and help rural markets build a retention and attraction strategy for attracting new industrial investment.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

November 10, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

What Site Selectors Want for Christmas: An In-Depth Look at What Makes a Competitive Business Location Webinar

Join us to learn more about the 2021 top state business climates.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

September 22, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

How Skills Data is Helping Jobseekers Webinar

By using skills data, communities can help people get back to work and guide them into in-demand jobs. In this webinar, we'll dive into the report, From Likely to Aligned, and take a look at likely transitions currently being made by workers, and how skills data reveals potential aligned transitions. We'll also look at our new skills-based jobseeker tool.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

September 9, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

State and Federal Child Care Funding: What you need to know and how to access it for your community Webinar

For decades our communities and workforce have been negatively impacted by a lack of adequate supply of child care. Now, thanks to passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the child care sector will receive a total of more than $50 billion in direct relief funding. This new wave of funding provides a tremendous opportunity to stabilize child care providers. These funds can support providers who are currently operating or are closed for COVID-related reasons as well as cover a range of operational expenses.

View this webinar to learn more about the state and federal child care funding in your state and how this can support your local community and economy.

DOCUMENTS: Child Care Relief Funding in the American Rescue Plan, ARP Federal Guidance, PDF of PowerPoint

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

August 25, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Rural Technology Company Development and Attraction Webinar

The 60,000,000 Americans in rural communities face unique challenges and opportunities to develop a skilled workforce. Please join the Mid-America Economic Development Council webinar on Rural Technology Company Development and Attraction to learn from the experts at the Montrose Group about what strategies are working to create opportunities for the retention and attraction of high-tech and early stage companies in rural communities. Montrose Group, LLC is a national economic development consulting firm who has worked with dozens of rural communities and developers to foster growth and development through the use of smart planning and local, state and federal government tax incentives and public finance tools. Montrose Group, LLC also published a Rural Corporate Site Location Guide that provides strategies for companies to consider when looking for rural markets for their job creation and facility investment. This webinar will provide an interesting and interactive discussion and help rural markets build a retention and attraction strategy for high-tech and early-stage company development action plan.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

July 28, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

The Challenges Facing Corporate Real Estate Leaders in a Post-Pandemic Environment Webinar

Economic Developers and Business Attraction specialists will benefit from a discussion by Vik Bangia, CEO of Verum Consulting, on the issues facing corporate real estate leaders as work-from-home and work-from-anywhere trends shape the future of the workplace. How do the trends impact your region's ability to attract business and talent?

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

CLICK HERE for the PowerPoint Presentation.

May 26, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Rural Workforce Development Webinar

The 60,000,000 Americans in rural communities face unique challenges and opportunities to develop a skilled workforce. Please join the Mid-America Economic Development Council webinar on Rural Workforce Development to learn from the experts at the Montrose Group about what strategies are working to create opportunities for the retention and attraction of skilled workers aligned with in—demand occupations and high-wage jobs in rural communities. Montrose Group, LLC is a national economic development consulting firm that has worked with dozens of rural communities and developers to foster growth and development through the use of smart planning and local, state, and federal government tax incentives and public finance tools. Montrose Group, LLC also recently published a Rural Corporate Site Location Guide that provides strategies for companies to consider when looking for rural markets for their job creation and facility investment. This webinar will provide an interesting and interactive discussion and help rural markets build a workforce development action plan.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

April 28, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Tackle Talent Attraction Now Webinar

Remote work and migration have created increased opportunities for communities to attract talent. Emsi's Data Specialist, Nathan Foss, will discuss how Emsi data can provide insights to better attract talent to your region post-COVID.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

March 24, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Mid-America EDC Digital Transformation of Economic Development Webinar

Digitally-enhanced economic development organizations are making traditional methods obsolete. The most out-of-touch economic development professionals are either unaware this is happening, in denial of the change, or becoming redundant. For economic development professionals who plan to remain relevant, this panel is for you. Join our presenters in identifying trends that simply cannot be ignored.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

February 24, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

Mid-America EDC Rural Downtown Development Webinar - presented in partnership with The Montrose Group, LLC

The 60,000,000 Americans in rural communities face unique challenges and opportunities to develop their Downtowns. Please join the Mid-America Economic Development Council webinar on Rural Downtown Development to learn from the experts at the Montrose Group about what strategies are working to create opportunities for housing, commercial and retail investments in rural communities. The Montrose Group is a national economic development consulting firm who has worked with dozens of rural communities and developers to foster growth and development through the use of smart planning and local, state and federal government tax incentives and public finance tools. Montrose Group also recently published a Rural Corporate Site Location Guide that provides strategies for companies to consider when looking for rural markets for their job creation and facility investment. This webinar will provide an interesting and interactive discussion and help rural markets build a Downtown development action plan.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar

January 26, 2021 12:30-1:30 PM ET

The Post-Coronavirus Mid-America & Rural Mainstreet Economies: Opportunities and Threats Webinar

Creighton’s monthly surveys of manufacturers in nine Mid-America states, and of Bank CEOs in 10 Rural Mainstreet states, indicate that the economy of the mid-section of the nation is improving, but economic activity and employment remain below pre-Covid-19 levels. Surveys point to a return to pre-Covid-19 economic levels in the second half of 2021. What will the post-Covid-19 economy look like in terms of jobs, trade, inflation, interest rates, and economic growth? Will the economic downturn and bounce back resemble a V, W, or a check mark?

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar

October 21, 2020 12:30-2:00 PM EDT

Winning Business Location Strategies Webinar

How do site selectors make business location recommendations? What are the latest trends in site selection? And what implications does this have for reaching site selectors and recruiting new businesses to your state, region, and community? Learn the latest from Janet Ady and Ashley Scray from Ady Advantage, who will present findings from Mid-America EDC’s triennial survey of site selectors and Mid-America EDC members. This presentation was originally scheduled for the 2020 Best Practices conference; however, we are switching the format of this presentation to virtual so that we can provide these findings to members in a timely manner.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar.

September 9, 2020 12:30-1:30 PM EDT

The Essence of Place: How to Placemake Anywhere Webinar

Learn examples of creative placemaking that can work in any size town or city from Kady Yellow. Yellow is a placemaker focusing on the power of art, music and culture through bringing together people, places and programs as an effective process for economic development and downtown revitalization.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar

August 26, 2020 12:30-1:30 PM EDT

From Impact to Recovery: Strategies for Communities to Come Back Stronger from COVID-19 Webinar

While many news reports and analyses have focused on the economic devastation of COVID-19, communities are hard at work on recovery. By leveraging skills data, job postings, and labor market information, communities can determine the best strategies to move forward. Join Mid-America EDC and Emsi for ideas on how to support reemployment and prepare your workforce for a new economy.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar

April 29, 2020 12:30-1:30 PM EDT

Understanding the Economic Disruption in Your Community Caused by COVID-19 Webinar

While some components of strategic plans and economic and workforce development strategies will still be in play, many organizations will need to assess the impact of COVID-19 on their community and make significant adjustments. Emsi is pleased to partner with Mid-America EDC for a FREE webinar on understanding the various economic and labor market impacts of COVID-19. We will discuss how to assess and understand the disruption caused by the pandemic to essential and non-essential industries, use economic impact analysis to convey the magnitude of the crisis on businesses, and evaluate ways to pivot your workforce to resilient, in-demand fields.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar

April 27, 2020 - 12:00-1:30 PM EDT

State Agency Leader Webinar: COVID-19 Perspectives/Responses Across the Mid-America EDC Region

This FREE webinar was hosted by the Leaders of economic develpment from States across the region to discuss their State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and their plans for supporting local communities during the recovery. Each state agency leader provided a short update followed by a Q&A.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar

April 22, 2020 - 12:00-1:30 PM EDT

Encore Webinar: Impacts to Economic Development resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Mid-America EDC Board of Directors discussed the impacts to economic development resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. This interactive free webinar was presented on April 3rd, and due to demand, was will presented again on April 22nd. This webinar was moderated and allowed for attendees to submit questions and answers via Chat.

CLICK HERE for the recorded webinar