The Hiawatha Business Summit is a conference that takes place three times a year and brings together local business leaders to discuss industry issues and develop strategies for the future. The latest meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on mental health and invited guests to ask questions to better understand how to handle these concerns. Despite no reservations being available, the Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO) hosted the meeting at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, which saw a strong response from attendees.
Liz Mathis, head coordinator for HEDCO, mentioned that there was high interest in mental health topics among business leaders leading to a successful turnout. The group’s goal is to help leaders address mental health concerns effectively and recognize signs of struggle among employees in the workplace. The panel discussion featured both legal and mental health experts and included a Q&A session for attendees to engage with the speakers.
Organizers hope that local business owners will gain new insights on how to support employees who may be facing mental health challenges. The meeting was recorded and will be posted on the HEDCO Facebook page for those who were unable to attend. The next session, scheduled for August, will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), and interested individuals should monitor the HEDCO website for updates on registration.
The Hiawatha Business Summit aims to provide valuable resources and information to business leaders to help them navigate important issues in the industry. By fostering discussions on topics like mental health and AI, the summit contributes to the professional development and growth of businesses in the Hiawatha area.
