Drinking with Dawn

BIO: Laura Griffith and Michael Monken are the owners of New Adventure Web Design & Digital Marketing, a locally owned agency serving businesses throughout Southern Illinois and the St. Louis Metro area. Laura brings a background in web development, digital marketing, graphic design, branding, and WordPress website design, along with degrees in Graphic Design from Kansas State University and Management from Ashford University. Michael has more than 15 years of experience in web design and development, with expertise in WordPress, Google Local and Maps SEO, organic search optimization, and Google Business Profile optimization. Together, they help local businesses strengthen their online presence through professional website design, digital marketing, local search strategies, reputation building, and ongoing support. Their approach emphasizes personal service, strong client relationships, proven strategies, and measurable results that help businesses increase visibility and reach more customers.

This presentation explains how local businesses can use Google Business Profiles to improve visibility, attract more customers, and compete for placement in Google's Local 3-Pack, which can generate website visits, phone calls, and foot traffic. It emphasizes keeping a GBP complete and active with accurate business information, relevant categories and services, fresh photos, regular posts, correct hours, service areas, and connected social profiles.

Strong local visibility also depends on building a broader digital presence through consistent business citations, an optimized website with dedicated service pages and useful local content, and links from trusted community organizations. Customer reviews are another major component, with rating, quantity, recency, and review content all contributing to local search performance and helping potential customers evaluate a business. Finally, the presentation encourages businesses to strengthen their social media presence and document real jobs, employees, customer questions, before-and-afters, and customer experiences so Google, AI search, and potential customers consistently see authentic evidence of the company's expertise and trustworthiness.

Talk About:

• How to optimize your Google Business Profile
• Getting your business noticed in local Google searches
• Building trust and credibility through customer reviews
• The importance of consistent social media and website content
• How AI is changing online visibility for local businesses

Takeaways:

• Get Found on Google with Laura
• Show Your Pricing Before AI Decides
• Ask for Reviews That Tell Your Story
• Your Social Posts Are Now on Google
• Be Real, Not Perfect — Get Found Where Customers Look

Connect with Laura Griffith and Michael Monken on their social media platforms to learn more about their work and insights into networking effectively:

LinkedIn Profile URL

linkedin.com/company/new-adventure-websites-digital-marketing

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/newadventureweb

Instagram URL

https://www.instagram.com/newadventureweb/

Website URL

https://newadventureweb.com/

Free Gift / Resource URL: https://calendly.com/new-adventure-web-design-digital-marketing/60min?month=2026-09

Dawn Mushill has served the Troy Chamber of Commerce since June 6, 2000. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, serving more than 400 members.

She holds an Associate's Degree from SWIC, a Bachelor of Science Degree from SIU-C, and dual Master's Degrees from Webster University. Throughout her career, Dawn has received numerous awards, including two Keys to the City of Troy from two different mayors.

Passionate about supporting local businesses and strengthening the community, Dawn is dedicated to connecting people with valuable resources, partnerships, and opportunities that help businesses thrive.

• Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmscoc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-mushill-b80689272/
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.troymaryvillecoc.com

BIO: Monette has been helping people plan for retirement for almost three decades. Having successfully completed multiple exams (securities and insurance) she is also a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist. Monette oversees Archford's Retirement Plan's section. Monette works closely with Archford's business owners to craft a "best fit" retirement plan and navigate the complex world of ERISA. Her gift for helping employees understand their retirement plan and how to use it to their advantage is what she is most recognized for.

Before joining Archford, Monette worked for a national financial planning firm who worked closely with members of our armed forces to help them create a financial plan. Always motivated by helping others she has volunteered for the local "spouses club" on base, served as the president of the school's PTA, lead thehigh school booster club, serves as an ambassador at the TMSM Chamber of Commerce and sits on the board of the Troy Maryville Collinsville CEO program.

Monette was raised in Texas but moved around the country with her husband during his career in the US Army. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work from University of Texas at El Paso and a graduate degree in Education from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. Monette and her husband Dave have two sons and enjoy listening to live music, traveling, boating, sailing, and golfing.

• Illinois retirement plan requirements for employers
• How a MEAP simplifies 401(k) administration
• Retirement plan options for small businesses
• Employee benefits and financial wellness
• Helping business owners prepare for the future

• Be proactive, don't wait for the notice.
• Focus on running your business.
• Build a retirement plan that fits your team.
• Help employees understand their benefits.
• Strong businesses plan for the future.

Dawn Mushill has served the Troy Chamber of Commerce since June 6, 2000. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, serving more than 400 members.

She holds an Associate's Degree from SWIC, a Bachelor of Science Degree from SIU-C, and dual Master's Degrees from Webster University. Throughout her career, Dawn has received numerous awards, including two Keys to the City of Troy from two different mayors.

Passionate about supporting local businesses and strengthening the community, Dawn is dedicated to connecting people with valuable resources, partnerships, and opportunities that help businesses thrive.

Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmscoc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-mushill-b80689272/

Email Address: [email protected]

Website: www.troymaryvillecoc.com