Business

‘Arts Means Business’ forum coming to downtown

East End Arts will present ‘Art Means Business,’ a seminar and networking party, from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Suffolk Theater in Riverhead. Business owners, artists, government officials, arts and nonprofit organizations and the public are invited to attend.

The keynote speaker is Michelle Isabelle-Stark, director of film and cultural affairs for the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development. She’ll talk about “Destination Downtown,” the county’s marketing campaign aimed at promoting small businesses, business districts and historic downtowns.

A panel discussion on ways for small businesses to partner with the arts will be moderated by Citibank business banker Jim Cairo. Panelists will include Baiting Hollow Vineyard owner Paula Geonie; Michael Mahon, owner of 73 Main in Riverhead; The Riverhead Project owner Dennis McDermott ; Ron Rothman, owner of Rothman’s Department Store in Southold; and Ann Vandenburgh, co-owner and art curator of Greenport Harbor Brewing Company.

Tickets are $25 in advance for East End Arts and Riverhead Chamber of Commerce members; $30 in advance for nonmembers; and $35 at the door.