Union County – Despite a Federal government shutdown, it was business as a usual in Union County as over 100 individuals gathered Tuesday morning for the next session of the Union County Means Business Networking Breakfast Series at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. The program’s topic- the Affordable Care Act and its Impact on Business.
Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski was present for the event and commented on the importance of the program by saying, “In the spirit of keeping up the growing momentum in Union County’s economy, I’m proud that we are able to connect current and prospective business owners, along with their employees, with professionals and resources to address hot topics like these.”
One of the central issues surrounding yesterday’s government shutdown, and also falling on the same day as the opening of new healthcare exchanges, the Affordable Care Act session was particularly timely featuring a panel discussion and a lengthy question and answer period on the Act and its implications.
“It’s true that many people have heard about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” said Alan Lieber, Vice President, Atlantic Health System and President, Overlook Medical Center, “but the reality is that many people really don’t know the details involved and have misconceptions about who will be affected and how.”
Lieber headed the panel discussion which also featured Christine Stearns, Vice President of Health Affairs of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, and Lisa Narcise of Brown & Brown Metro.
“This event provided local businesses with a current update on the status of their obligations and opportunities under the new health care law,” said Joe Steiner of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce- a sponsor of the UCMB series. “This was an excellent opportunity and we were pleased to be a partner with Overlook, the County and the other organizations in making it possible.”
The panel opened with Lieber, who gave an overview of the Affordable Care Act from the perspective of the healthcare provider, while Stearns and Narcise gave participants a more in depth look at healthcare exchanges, coverage options and a run-down of what will be required from business owners and individuals alike in order to comply with the law.
The Union County Mean Business series is designed to bring local business owners, prospective owners and managers in contact with government representatives who can help them obtain information about grants, loans, social media, employee recruitment, and other resources.
The next Union County Means Business Session, titled “Maximizing your Business with the Internet,” will be held on October 30th at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, and will feature consultant, analyst and former Apprentice contestant, Tara Dowdell.
To register, or for more information on the Networking Breakfast Series, please visitwww.ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness.
UCMB Programs are sponsored by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with the Union County Alliance, Union County Economic Development Corp., Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chambers of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, and Union County College. The Affordable Care Act and its Impact on Business was co-sponsored by Overlook Medical Center.
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