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Start Up Session: Hiring Your First Employee

November 3, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (EST)

Description

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner building something new or ready to grow?

Start Up Sessions are a working & networking session for entrepreneurs & small business owners to solve real business challenges with peers and local experts. Come with a question, a challenge, an idea - or just curiosity. Leave with new connections and fresh inspiration.

Each session features:

A quick, practical presentation from a local entrepreneur, mentor, or business expert
Open discussion and peer-to-peer problem solving
Networking with fellow business owners and resource partners
Access to local business support organizations and mentors

November's Theme: From Solo to Staff: Hiring Your First Employee

Thinking about hiring your first employee - or growing the team you already have? There’s a lot to figure out before that first person walks through the door.

Join Virginia Keel of Keel Support Services LLC and Patrick Penley of Payroll Management Inc. for a practical conversation about the HR and payroll side of hiring. We’ll cover everything from employee vs. independent contractor and basic policies to onboarding, wage and hour considerations, personnel records, payroll setup, common mistakes, and the things small businesses often don't realize they need until there's already a problem.

Bring your questions - especially the ones you’re not sure you’re supposed to be asking yet!

Most importantly, Start Up Sessions are a chance to connect with people who understand the challenges - and opportunities - of starting and growing a business.

Startup Sessions are made possible through the support of our season sponsor, the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG), whose commitment to entrepreneurship and small business development helps make these gatherings accessible to our community.

We'll have complimentary beverages available, including soft drinks and a selection of beers, to help keep the conversation flowing.

Free and open to all.

Meet our presenters

Patrick Penley, Senior Account Manager, Payroll Management Inc.
Patrick has been with Payroll Management since 2013 and brings extensive experience helping Maine businesses navigate payroll and related employer needs. As a Senior Account Manager, he works directly with businesses to find practical payroll solutions and help employers avoid common payroll and compliance headaches.

Virginia Keel, HR Consultant, Keel Support Services LLC
Virginia Keel is an HR consultant and the owner of Keel Support Services, where she provides practical HR support to small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations. Her work focuses on helping employers navigate HR processes, workplace challenges, compliance, communication, and building stronger workplaces. She also serves as President of the Central Maine Human Resource Association (CMHRA), connecting her to a broader network of HR professionals across the region.

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Contact Information

Name: LA Metro Chamber Team
Email: info@lametrochamber.com

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Start Up Session: Hiring Your First Employee

November 3, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (EST)

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Start Up Session: Hiring Your First Employee

November 3, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (EST)

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