Description

DATE: Thursday, May 29, 2025

TIME: 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Lancaster Chamber (115 E King Street) includes lunch from a local small business!

COST: FREE

What to Expect!

In today’s unpredictable economic climate, small businesses face significant challenges from market volatility and rising operational costs. Inflation has placed additional pressure on consumer spending, supply chains and labor costs further complicating efforts to maintain profitability.

The panelists will highlight tactics for small business owners to consider managing business financial performance effectively while remaining competitive. The panelists will address key tactics businesses can use to diversify revenue streams, embrace cost-saving, optimize operational efficiencies, and employ key performance indicators to mitigate risks and ensure long-term sustainability amid economic turbulence.

Meet the Speakers!

Stephen Darby, Certified SCORE mentor

Steve has been a SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon mentor for six years. During his working career, he served in the banking, technology, and financial services industries in a variety of financial management, product strategy, and client service roles. He assists his SCORE clients in various areas, including business planning, financial analysis, competitive analysis, and performance improvement. He also enjoys helping not-for-profit organizations successfully execute their mission and communicate a compelling case for support to their donor base. Steve is a graduate of Princeton University and earned his MBA degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Louis Davenport, Certified SCORE Mentor

Lou Davenport has been with SCORE for more than 25 years, serving as a mentor, Chapter Chair, District Director and on the National Advisory Council.  Lou spent 35 years as a senior financial management executive with Armstrong World Industries.  He has extensive business and financial planning experience with both start-up and existing businesses, spanning all areas of business financial planning and management, including financial analysis, business financing, financial risk management and turnaround challenges with existing businesses.

Kevin St. Cyr, Certified SCORE Mentor and SVP at Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors

With a diverse functional background in sales, marketing, technology, operations and general management in the plastics, network connectivity, and investment banking (M&A), Kevin  brings a diverse set of skills to the table. His education includes a BS in Plastics Engineering and an MBA.  He is a Registered Investment Banking representative (FINRA Series 79, Series 63). This combination of expertise helps him provide well-rounded advice to businesses across various sectors, including nonprofits.

Karen Shenk Certified SCORE Mentor and Partner at Trout CPA

As a professional, Karen gains a deep understanding of her clients' industry, goals, and needs so she can better advise them. She enjoys working closely with entrepreneurial business owners and their finance departments to contribute to their success.  Karen helps business owners understand their financial statements and how to use them to make decisions.  She works with clients on developing scenarios and financial models that can help make educated decisions. She has experience creating budgets, and reporting actual performance compared to an established budget. She assists  in preparing financial performance and cash flow projections.

Karen joined Trout CPA in 2012 after working at a firm in the Chicago area since 2004. She graduated from Trinity International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, with an emphasis in Accounting and a minor in Philosophy. She chairs Trout CPA's Manufacturing & Distribution Industry Group, is an active member of the Construction & Real Estate Industry Group and the firm’s Executive Committee.

What is the Small Business Roundtable?

The Small Business Roundtable sessions bring together entrepreneurs and business experts to share resources, strategies, and support for growing successful small businesses. With featured speakers from SCORE, attendees gain access to seasoned mentorship and practical advice on everything from financial planning to customer engagement. The event encourages open dialogue, problem-solving, and collaboration among local business owners. It's a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.