Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- The Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce is offering help to business owners with questions about the health care reform bill recently passed by Congress.

The Chamber will host a seminar on the subject from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 29, at the Georgia Perimeter College Auditorium at 239 Cedar Lane. The seminar will feature Ryan Mahoney, director of public policy for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Mahoney leads strategic development and execution of Chamber initiatives in transportation, health care, education and other policy areas. He advises the Georgia Chamber on media relations and public affairs and appears as a guest commentator on the Fox 5 Atlanta show "Georgia Gang."

"The new health care reform bill affects everyone, from the largest company to the smallest. As the advocate for businesses in Newton County, the Chamber of Commerce wants to educate and inform," said Lisa Oglesby, director of programs for the Chamber. "We are pleased that our Chamber can bring Ryan to Newton County to speak on health care reform."

Mahoney's discussion will focus only on impacts to the business sector, Oglesby added.

This is the first in a series of events aimed at providing important information to local businesses, she said.

The event is free. A light breakfast will be served. Other sponsors include Gossage Insurance Advisors and Piedmont Insurance. Reservations are required to attend. To register, visit www.newtonchamber.com, click on "Calendar of Events" and find the listing for the seminar or call the Chamber office at 770-786-7510. The registration deadline is Friday, June 25.