Key Takeaways
- The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is launching a new “Skill Up! Series” to foster business growth and professional development.
- Sessions are led by local experts and cover practical, timely topics relevant to today’s professionals.
- The first session, “Cybersecurity: Why It’s Important & Why You Need It!” will be held on Wednesday, June 17, from 8:00‑9:30 AM at 18 South Main Street, Rochester, NH.
- Shane Pouliot of 603 Technology Solutions will discuss why small businesses need strong cybersecurity, the risks of being unprepared, what a solid security posture looks like, and the nuances of cyber insurance.
- Attendance is free for Chamber members and $15 for non‑members, providing an affordable learning and networking opportunity.
- Businesses can host a session to showcase expertise, increase visibility, and connect directly with local professionals; hosting details are available through the Chamber office.
- Registration and further information are available at rochesternh.org/juneskillup or by contacting the Chamber at (603) 332‑5080 or [email protected].
Introduction to the Skill Up! Series
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is proud to unveil its new Skill Up! Series, an educational initiative crafted to support the continual growth of the local business community. By offering concise, expert‑led workshops, the series aims to fill skill gaps, introduce emerging trends, and empower professionals to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Each session is deliberately designed to be accessible, interactive, and directly applicable to the challenges faced by businesses in the Greater Rochester area.
Purpose and Goals of the Program
At its core, the Skill Up! Series seeks to bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The Chamber recognises that many small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises lack the resources to attend lengthy conferences or costly training programs. Therefore, the series provides high‑value, bite‑sized learning experiences that can be immediately implemented. Goals include enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, strengthening professional networks, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the region.
Format and Learning Environment
Each Skill Up! session follows a consistent format: a brief welcome, a focused presentation by a subject‑matter expert, an interactive Q&A segment, and a networking period. The setting is intentionally informal yet professional, encouraging participants to ask questions, share experiences, and forge connections with peers. Light refreshments are often provided, reinforcing the welcoming atmosphere that the Chamber strives to cultivate for all attendees.
Spotlight on the Upcoming Cybersecurity Session
The inaugural workshop in the series is titled “Cybersecurity: Why It’s Important & Why You Need It!” Scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, the event will take place at 18 South Main Street in downtown Rochester, NH. This timing accommodates busy professionals who can attend before the start of their regular workday, maximizing participation without disrupting core business hours.
Speaker Profile: Shane Pouliot of 603 Technology Solutions
Leading the discussion is Shane Pouliot, a seasoned cybersecurity consultant and the founder of 603 Technology Solutions. With over a decade of experience safeguarding businesses across New Hampshire and beyond, Pouliot brings a wealth of real‑world insights into threat landscapes, defensive strategies, and risk management. His approach blends technical depth with practical advice, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable steps rather than abstract concepts.
What the Session Will Cover
Pouliot’s presentation will begin by explaining why cybersecurity is no longer optional for small businesses, emphasizing the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks targeting smaller entities that often lack robust defenses. Attendees will learn about common threat vectors—such as phishing, ransomware, and supply‑chain vulnerabilities—and the potential financial, reputational, and operational fallout of a breach. The talk will then transition to what a “good cybersecurity posture” looks like, outlining essential layers of protection including employee training, multi‑factor authentication, regular patching, and incident response planning.
The Role of Cyber Insurance
A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to cyber insurance, a topic that frequently generates confusion among business owners. Pouliot will clarify what a typical cyber policy covers—such as data breach notification costs, legal fees, and business interruption losses—and, importantly, what it does not cover. He will stress that merely purchasing a policy is insufficient; businesses must also demonstrate due diligence in implementing security controls to qualify for coverage and to reduce premiums.
Benefits for Attendees
Participants will gain a clear, step‑by‑step framework for assessing their current cybersecurity readiness and identifying priority improvements. By the end of the 90‑minute workshop, attendees should be able to draft a basic cybersecurity checklist, understand the key questions to ask when evaluating insurance providers, and feel more confident discussing security matters with stakeholders, vendors, and employees. The networking segment further allows professionals to exchange contacts, share best practices, and potentially form collaborative partnerships.
Cost and Accessibility
Reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to inclusivity, attendance is free for members of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Non‑members are invited to join for a modest fee of $15, which helps offset venue and material costs while keeping the session accessible to a broad audience. This pricing structure ensures that cost is not a barrier to valuable professional development, aligning with the Chamber’s mission to support businesses of all sizes.
Hosting Opportunities for Local Businesses
Beyond attending, businesses have the chance to host a Skill Up! session. Hosting provides a platform to showcase subject‑matter expertise, increase brand visibility within the local business community, and engage directly with potential clients or partners. The Chamber offers flexible hosting packages tailored to different objectives and budgets, handling logistics such as promotion, registration, and venue coordination. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the Chamber office for detailed information on availability, pricing, and promotional support.
How to Register and Get More Information
To secure a spot in the cybersecurity workshop or to explore future sessions in the Skill Up! Series, participants can visit the dedicated registration page at rochesternh.org/juneskillup. Alternatively, they may contact the Chamber office directly by phone at (603) 332‑5080 or via email at [email protected]. The Chamber staff is available to answer questions about membership benefits, session content, hosting logistics, and any other inquiries related to the program.
Conclusion: Investing in Continuous Learning
The launch of the Skill Up! Series represents a strategic investment in the human capital of the Greater Rochester business ecosystem. By delivering timely, expert‑driven content in an accessible format, the Chamber empowers local professionals to adapt, innovate, and thrive. The inaugural cybersecurity session underscores the critical importance of safeguarding digital assets in today’s interconnected economy, while subsequent workshops will address other pressing topics such as marketing strategy, financial management, and leadership development. Together, these initiatives foster a resilient, knowledgeable, and collaborative business community poised for sustained success.