Congressman to host small business conference

WASHINGTON - Louisiana Rep. Bill Cassidy announced today that he will host a small business conference Monday, June 28 at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge, La.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy," says Cassidy. "They are the vehicles of opportunity for families and entrepreneurs across Louisiana. For our state to be more prosperous, small businesses must prosper."

Cassidy says the conference is designed to help entrepreneurs overcome the uncertainty created by new laws and regulations.

Cassidy's Small Business Conference will provide Louisiana businesses with insight from industry leaders in health care, internet marketing and business financing.

Mike Reitz, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, and Renee Baker of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) will lead with a discussion of the ramifications of the new health law for small businesses. Following the health care panel, Michael Ricks of the U.S. Small Business Administration will offer advice on how small businesses can access capital to grow their companies. Paul Chaney, marketing consultant and author of The Digital Handshake, will then outline internet marketing strategies to attract new customers and drive internet traffic and sales.