Commissioners on Nov. 5 selected Rescue Barbecue as the host for the Leesburg business breakfast scheduled for Feb. 10 and agreed to use "AI for small business" as the event’s primary draw topic while allowing other business questions during the session.
Staff said four vendors were considered and Rescue Barbecue submitted the lowest proposal below the $1,200 target. Staff noted Rescue Barbecue has hosted previous panels and can handle the expected group size. Commissioners discussed logistics, sponsorships and whether to assign a main topic; they agreed the AI theme should serve as the draw but not limit audience questions.
There was a voice vote in favor of Rescue Barbecue as the venue; commissioners also approved the AI topic by voice vote. Staff and commissioners said they would work on promotion, registration and possible corporate sponsorships to offset costs.
The panel format will be moderated and include time for attendee questions; staff indicated they will circulate registration material and solicit suggested questions in advance.