The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of seminars aimed to assist small businesses as part of their Small Business Month Celebration. These seminars will take place from 8:00-9:00 a.m. every Tuesday morning in May at The Commerce Center, Paducah Bank Community Room, located at 300 S. Third Street. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is requested at paducahchamber.org. Attendees do not have to be a Chamber member to attend.

Each seminar will focus on Small Business in the Age of AI: Tools, Risks and Opportunities for

Today’s Business Owners. The series is sponsored by FNB Bank and Payroll Vault.

Seminar Schedule and Topics:

May 5 – AI TOOLS EVERY SMALL BUSINESS SHOULD KNOW

The focus will be on discovering practical ways AI can support marketing, research, planning, and everyday business tasks. This session will feature live demonstrations and examples of tools that business owners can start using immediately. The speaker is Aaron Harned with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Paducah. 

May 12 – AI IN ACTION: HOW LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE USING IT

This seminar will feature a panel of local business leaders who are using AI tools in their daily operations. Panelists will share what they’ve tried, what’s worked, and lessons learned along the way.  Panelists include:  Justin Lange, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning; John Stopka, Liberty Pest Control; and Jordan Vaughn, Happy ZZZ’s Sit n’ Sleep.

May 19 – HOW AI IS CHANGING THE FUTURE OF WORK

Discussion will be held on how artificial intelligence is transforming the workforce and creating new opportunities for businesses willing to adapt. This session will explore how AI is shaping skills, education, and the future of work.  Speakers include:  Michael Ramage, Director of CCIT Center for Cybersecurity Network Management at Murray State University and John Perdue, Workforce Solutions Relationship Manager, Madisonville Community College. 

May 26 – AI RISKS: FRAUD, PRIVACY & PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS

The final session will focus on how AI technology is creating new opportunities, but also new risks. Panelists will discuss emerging fraud threats, data privacy concerns, and practical steps businesses can take to protect themselves.  Speakers include: Barry Hatcher, CFE, CPA, Of Counsel, Kemper CPA Group; Jessica Newman, CEO, Advantage Insurance Services; and Johnny Sanders, Co-Founder & EVP, SOMA Cyber. 

Pre-register at paducahchamber.org.