BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260210T190000Z DTEND:20260210T200000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:Business Growth Foundations and Solutions Series DESCRIPTION:The Chamber is a cornerstone for community and business connection. This series expands on that mission by offering local entrepreneurs and \n\nbusiness leaders ongoing opportunities to:\n\n Learn and apply practical strategies that can be implemented right away.\n\n Gain exposure to local experts and resources within our community.\n\n Engage in peer networking and problem-solving discussions.\n\n Strengthen the local business ecosystem through education and collaboration\n\n\n\nFebruary Topic: AI Skills for Business in 2026\n\n\nAI for Business Owners: Practical Tools You Can Use Today\n\nArtificial Intelligence is no longer just for big corporations or tech companies it's quickly becoming a practical tool for everyday business operations. In this session\, business owners will learn what AI really is (and what it isn't)\, how it's being used right now to save time and reduce costs\, and where it can create immediate value without replacing people or processes.\n\nDesigned for non-technical leaders\, this presentation focuses on real-world examples\, common business use cases\, and simple ways to get started without overwhelm. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI can support marketing\, operations\, and decision-making in their own businesses.\n\nSession Leaders & Presenters:\n\n \n\nChad Halverson\n\n\n\nChad Halverson is a business strategist and former banking executive with more than 17 years of experience at U.S. Bank\, where he advanced from branch management to senior leadership roles in business banking\, strategy\, and product management. As Senior Vice President and Prepaid Card Strategic Go-to-Market Director\, he led enterprise-wide initiatives that delivered measurable growth\, enhanced operational efficiency\, and modernized digital engagement across a $12B portfolio.\n\nKnown for bridging strategy and execution\, Chad has designed national sales enablement programs\, incentive frameworks\, and digital acquisition strategies that helped businesses grow and adapt in evolving markets. His partnerships with organizations like VISA\, PwC\, and Oliver Wyman further deepened his expertise in scalable\, client-centered growth strategies.\n\nNow as the founder of REACH Enterprises LLC and Angel Investments LLC\, Chad applies his corporate experience to entrepreneurship. In his spare time he enjoys helping business owners streamline operations\, manage growth\, and prepare for successful transitions. His unique blend of financial acumen and real-world business ownership provides practical\, actionable insights that empower local entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success.\n\nTara L. Groody\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTara Groody is a seasoned business strategist and executive consultant with over 30 years of experience helping organizations streamline operations\, strengthen leadership\, and achieve sustainable growth. Her expertise spans strategic planning\, financial analysis\, human capital optimization\, and organizational development across a wide range of industries. As a business advisor and coach\, Tara has guided countless small business owners and nonprofit leaders in building operational efficiency\, improving profitability\, and aligning teams for long-term success. Her background includes serving in executive roles\, including COO and Business Development Coach\, where she implemented scalable systems\, led organizational turnarounds\, and fostered thriving workplace cultures. Deeply committed to the success of small business\, Tara is passionate about equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to grow and adapt in an ever changing marketplace. Through her facilitation of educational programs\, she focuses on translating complex business concepts into practical\, actionable insights that empower local business owners to strengthen both their organizations and the community. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:The Chamber is a cornerstone for community and business connection. This series expands on that mission by offering local entrepreneurs and \;
\nbusiness leaders ongoing opportunities to:
\n&bull\; Learn and apply practical strategies that can be implemented right away.
\n&bull\; Gain exposure to local experts and resources within our community.
\n&bull\; Engage in peer networking and problem-solving discussions.
\n&bull\; Strengthen the local business ecosystem through education and collaboration
\n
\nFebruary Topic: AI Skills for Business in 2026
\n\n
AI for Business Owners: Practical Tools You Can Use Today
\n\n
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for big corporations or tech companies&mdash\;it&rsquo\;s quickly becoming a practical tool for everyday business operations. In this session\, business owners will learn what AI really is (and what it isn&rsquo\;t)\, how it&rsquo\;s being used right now to save time and reduce costs\, and where it can create immediate value without replacing people or processes.
\n\n
Designed for non-technical leaders\, this presentation focuses on real-world examples\, common business use cases\, and simple ways to get started without overwhelm. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI can support marketing\, operations\, and decision-making in their own businesses.
\n\n
Session Leaders &\; Presenters:
\n \;
\n\n

Chad Halverson

\n\n

\n\n

Chad Halverson is a business strategist and former banking executive with more than 17 years of experience at U.S. Bank\, where he advanced from branch management to senior leadership roles in business banking\, strategy\, and product management. As Senior Vice President and Prepaid Card Strategic Go-to-Market Director\, he led enterprise-wide initiatives that delivered measurable growth\, enhanced operational efficiency\, and modernized digital engagement across a $12B portfolio.

\n\n

Known for bridging strategy and execution\, Chad has designed national sales enablement programs\, incentive frameworks\, and digital acquisition strategies that helped businesses grow and adapt in evolving markets. His partnerships with organizations like VISA\, PwC\, and Oliver Wyman further deepened his expertise in scalable\, client-centered growth strategies.

\n\n

Now as the founder of REACH Enterprises LLC and Angel Investments LLC\, Chad applies his corporate experience to entrepreneurship. In his spare time he enjoys helping business owners streamline operations\, manage growth\, and prepare for successful transitions. His unique blend of financial acumen and real-world business ownership provides practical\, actionable insights that empower local entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success.

\n\n

Tara L. Groody
\n
\n
\n
\nTara Groody is a seasoned business strategist and executive consultant with over 30 years of experience helping organizations streamline operations\, strengthen leadership\, and achieve sustainable growth. Her expertise spans strategic planning\, financial analysis\, human capital optimization\, and organizational development across a wide range of industries. As a business advisor and coach\, Tara has guided countless small business owners and nonprofit leaders in building operational efficiency\, improving profitability\, and aligning teams for long-term success. Her background includes serving in executive roles\, including COO and Business Development Coach\, where she implemented scalable systems\, led organizational turnarounds\, and fostered thriving workplace cultures. Deeply committed to the success of small business\, Tara is passionate about equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to grow and adapt in an ever changing marketplace. Through her facilitation of educational programs\, she focuses on translating complex business concepts into practical\, actionable insights that empower local business owners to strengthen both their organizations and the community.

\n LOCATION:Hybrid- Link to join will be sent upon registration. Registrations need to be completed at least 24 hours before the class. We encourage you to join in person! 323 N Meridian Puyallup\, WA 98371 UID:e.101.12971 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260409T163832Z URL:https://business.puyallupsumnerchamber.com/events/details/business-growth-foundations-and-solutions-series-12971 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR