Date: 4/16/2013
Time: 7:30 AM TO 9:00 AM

Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council/AEC
2100 Washington Blvd, 1st Floor
Lower Level Auditorium
Arlington, VA 22204

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Event Description:
THANK YOU TO OUR GRAND SPONSOR - Eagle Bank

This new Chamber event features a panel of experts including a representative from the SBA, a banker, and a small business person. It will focus on how small businesses can utilize SBA loans to secure capital. A continental breakfast will be served, provided by the Chamber.


Panelists:
Banker: Jeanne Dodd, EagleBank
SBA Rep: Bob Carpenter, Lender Relations Specialist, SBA
Small Business Owner: Adiam Berhane, Caffe Aficionado
Moderator: Jay Reiner, Jay E. Reiner, CPA

About the Panelists:

Jeanne M. Dodd is the Portfolio Manager for EagleBank’s SBA Portfolio, bringing nearly a decade of experience to the position. She oversees and manages EagleBank’s implementation of the various SBA programs designed to help entrepreneurs gain access to capital for start-ups and existing entities. Jeanne became a Nationally Certified SBA 7(a) Lender after realizing the need for job creation during the recession and recognizing the ability and role of the SBA in meeting this need. In 2010, she was voted onto the Board of Directors for the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL). She is currently the Chair of the Region III Committee and a member of the National Small Lender Committee.

Bob Carpenter has served within the Finance Division of the SBA Washington Metropolitan Area District Office as a Lender Relations Specialist since 1993. He works directly with area banks, credit unions, non-bank lenders, Certified Development Companies and Community Development Corporations to improve their understanding of, and increase their participation in, SBA’s loan programs. Prior to his appointment as Loan Specialist, Bob served within SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program within the Office of Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development. Bob also gained experience from the small business perspective while assisting with his family’s three small business ventures and managing several business operations.

Adiam Berhane was born in Asmara, Eritrea, spending her early childhood in Milano, Italy. Eventually her family immigrated to the U.S., settling in Washington, D.C. After graduating Howard University with a double major in Political Science and History, Adiam worked in the music business and magazine publishing for a number of years. Tired of the long hours of the entertainment business, Adiam found a passion in what is described as "third wave" coffee, leading to the decision to open her own café. With the help of an SBA loan, Adiam is starting a restaurant in Rosslyn, Caffe Aficionado. Enthusiastic to offer high-quality coffee and beverages, premiere pastries and enlightened hospitality to the Rosslyn community, Adiam boasts that “Arlington is a great place to do business.”

About the moderator: Jay has more than 25 years of experience as an accountant, tax advisor, and CFO. He works with small businesses, non-profits, trusts & estates, individuals, and families, to provide a range of tax and accounting services.

Sign in and Breakfast will be at 7:30AM with the program starting at 8:00AM.
Pre-Registration closes at 12pm on Monday, April 15. Registration questions? Contact the Chamber at 703-525-2400 or chamber@arlingtonchamber.org.


Directions:

Complimentary parking available in garage.

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