BIA’s Small Business Day to look at state policies

Strategies and opportunities for controlling health-care costs and a look at the year’s key policy issues from the state’s top legislators will be among the highlights of the Business and Industry Association’s sixth annual Small Business Day at the State House event. The event, which will run from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Holiday Inn, Concord, is presented in partnership with the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and local and regional chambers of commerce and business associations. Small Business Day is sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review. The day is designed to engage small-business owners and managers in public policy discussion and debate, as well as provide them with practical and relevant information to help manage and grow their business. The day will begin with a panel discussion featuring the Legislature’s top elected leaders: Senate President Peter Bragdon, House Speaker Bill O’Brien, Senate Democratic Leader Sylvia Larsen and House Minority Leader Terie Norelli (awaiting confirmation). Following a short break, a panel of health-care experts will participate in a panel discussion, “Health Care — Why Is It So Expensive and What Can My Small Business Do About It?” Panel participants include Lisa Guertin, president and chief executive of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire, Steve Gerlach, an attorney with Bernstein Shur, and Dan Cronin, chief executive of CGI Employee Benefits Group. Cost to attend Small Business Day at the State House is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast. To register, call 603-224-5388 x116 or visit nhbia.org. — NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW