Small Business Education Series – February 26, 2025

Join us for an insightful panel discussion designed to help small business owners strengthen their financial foundation for long-term success. Our expert panel will share valuable strategies on financial planning, legal considerations, and banking solutions to support your business growth.

Our distinguished panel, moderated by Steve Meka, owner of STEM Handmade Soap, includes:

• Kristy Brickel | AVP, Line of Business Learning Lead, Key Bank

• Jay R. Carson | Partner, Wegman Hessler Valore

• Stephanie Flask | Financial Planner, Edward Jones

Key Topics

• Managing cash flow and business credit

• Protecting your business legally and financially

• Smart investment and retirement planning for entrepreneurs

• Building personal and business wealth together

• Risk management and insurance essentials

• Navigating contracts and business agreements

Event Details

📅 Date: February 26, 2025

🕗 Registration: 8:45am

🕗 Panel Discussion: 9:00am-10:00am

🕗 Direct Q/A: 10:00am-10:30am

📍 Location: Lakewood Public Library – Multipurpose Room at 15425 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107

Enter from the Arthur Avenue side entrance. Parking available in the back Library lot and on the street.This event is FREE, but space is limited. Please register.

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Participants

Moderator: Steve Meka
Owner of STEM Handmade Soap

Kristy Brickel
AVP, Line of Business Learning Lead, Key Bank
Kristy Brickel has been a longtime banker. With over 20 years of experience in a variety of capacities ranging from small business to mortgage and financial education and wellness, she finds great comfort in helping others realize their financial goals. She currently works for KeyBank, where she has been for the past six years.Outside of Key, Kristy has a great passion for figure skating. She has represented the Winterhurst FSC for close to 40 years where she skated, coached, and chaired their annual competition, Skate Cleveland. She also served as an Executive Board Member for the Greater Cleveland Council of Figure Skating and currently serves as a US Figure Judge and Technical Specialist. Outside of work, Kristy is the proud mom of her two boys, Raymond (7) and Evan (4).

Jay R. Carson
Partner, Wegman Hessler Valore
Jay represents companies and individuals in commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract and consumer claims in state and federal court. Having served as a legislative aide to the Ohio General Assembly, a law clerk to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and a Common Pleas Court Magistrate, he draws on those experiences in advocating for clients and helping guide businesses through Ohio’s regulatory requirements.

Stephanie Flask
Financial Planner, Edward Jones
Stephanie Flask is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments and has been with the firm since 2022. She holds the Series 7, Series 66, and Ohio life insurance licenses. In January of 2024, she earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ professional designation through the College for Financial Planning. An active member in Lakewood, Stephanie is the Vice President of the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance and is a board member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Olmsted Falls with her family, and in their free time, they enjoy kayaking on Lake Erie, traveling the world, and volunteering.

Additional questions? Contact Lauren Small at the Chamber: lsmall@lakewoodchamber.org

This educational series is presented by The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and The City of Lakewood.