MAC Luncheons 2026

Topic: 100 Years of Better Business for All

A century ago, the market pulsed with new ads, new products, and new promises. But not all those promises were true. In 1926, Cincinnati business leaders came together to answer a simple question. Can I trust this? They formed the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau to bring trust and transparency to the marketplace. Ever since, the Cincinnati BBB has remained a guide for consumers and a champion for ethical businesses. This month Richard Barbercheck, Board Chair of the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau, will share about the 100-year celebration of the Cincinnati BBB, including a historical overview of the BBB, its purpose, and the valuable features and benefits for our businesses and community.

The Cincinnati BBB is recognized as a leader in our community for advancing marketplace trust. The BBB sees trust as a function of two primary factors: Integrity and Performance. Integrity includes respect, ethics, and intent. Performance speaks to a business’s track record of delivering results in accordance with BBB standards and/or addressing customer concerns in a timely and satisfactory manner. In 2026, the organization celebrates a century-old reputation of advancing and protecting America’s marketplace, and 100 years of experience serving the local community, with a responsibility to local consumers, donors, entrepreneurs, and volunteers. They work so we can shop thoughtfully, give wisely, and run businesses and charities with passion and integrity.

Richard is a seasoned executive with decades of leadership experience and a passion for driving strategic growth. He is currently the CEO of Strategic Orientation, LLC where he works with community business owners and professionals to develop and implement effective strategies, achieve and exceed goals, build effective teams, and focus on regaining control of their business. He brings forty years of experience in analyzing thousands of businesses in a variety of industries, identifying their strategies, and working with them to achieve success even if they are navigating through challenging times.

Throughout his career, Richard developed expertise in financial analysis, business development, business administration, policy, operations, and risk management, as well as expertise in performance improvement, strategic planning, and change management. As a Certified Business Coach, Consultant, and Trainer, Richard is committed to helping business owners and professionals achieve success.

I believe that every business leader is entitled to success on their terms. No matter what that means, they have committed their life to that dream. Working together we define and travel their path to success. It’s critical because success is NOT a journey, it is absolutely a destination! Through guidance, planning and accountability they arrive at their success destination; the achievement of their dreams.

Richard Barbercheck

CEO, Strategic Orientation

Topic: Valuating a Business and Exit Strategies

Learn more about Kate Vriner

Kate Vriner joined Sunbelt in 2016 and was named the President of Sunbelt Business Advisors of Southwest Ohio in 2024, where she is a pivotal leader. With expertise in manufacturing, transportation, logistics, IT, distribution, and commercial services, Kate is deeply committed to advocating for business owners and matching them with the ideal buyers for their businesses. Her credentials as a certified business intermediary and certified exit planning advisor underscore her dedication and proficiency in the field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kate is a passionate advocate for youth sports. In 2021, she founded Everybody Plays Ohio, a nonprofit organization focused on removing financial barriers to sports participation for children.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys time with her husband Mike, their daughters Rita and Evelyn, and their family dog Belle. Whether she’s cheering at her kids’ sporting events, exploring new travel destinations, diving into a good book, or staying active, Kate embodies a well-rounded and dynamic lifestyle.

Topic: Hire and Retain only A Players and get Phenomenal Results

A Players make a very big difference in an enterprise. They produce more and attract more A Players.  They create a strategic advantage for the businesses/ organizations they support. Come learn about the A Player Agreement and how it fits into the broader context of a Business Operating Model called Scaling Up. If you want to scale profitable and sustainably, you will need to focus on people, strategy, execution, and cash.  We will discuss a part of the people decision equation of scaling in this presentation.  You will walk away with an example of an A Player Agreement and an understanding as to why you only want/ demand that only A Players be in your employment and service.  Start implementing the A Player agreement template on Monday!

Biography of Charlie Slaven:

I graduated from Colerain High School. I have Undergraduate and Graduate degrees, BS in Business Finance, and an MBA Accountancy, from Miami University. Seven years as a practicing CPA and Consultant with E&Y and KPMG, with more than 25 years in technology for GE and Cincom Systems,.  I had mid senior level positions and including the Tech Program Office lead with the Airforce for the B2 and the Navy for the F16 Fighter and I led the Accounting Systems practices in IT for GE. I also lead the business support role for a very large IT shop at GE with a budget at $100M.  I lead a multi county ISO 9000 certification for Cincom.  I held senior lean six sigma process engineering and quality roles with GE, Cincom, GAIC, and Kroger. At Kroger we delivered an ROI at 10x the cost of the process engineering group’s cost.  I co-led the training and certification of that group.  I had held an Account Management role and a leader for a call center practice at Cincom. 

I have taught at three universities, Ohio U, NKU and U of Phoenix where I mostly taught business analysis, accounting, quantitative analysis, and project management. Previously I was a VP of Strategic Initiatives for a manufacturing company , Kaivac, where we grew the company from $21M to $52M in sales and improved profits by 2 – 3x.   I have had equity interest in three small companies: VP of Professional Skills Training, Managing Partner in a Consulting Company, and CEO of a Web Design and deployment Company.  Currently, I am: A Township Fiscal Officer, owner of a Scaling Up business: The Slaven Group LLC, Director of an AI Company STS42 based in Canada, an Executive in a large professional nonprofit PMI SW Ohio, and an active angel investor with QCA Ventures. I am married for 53 years, have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. I have lived in Harrison Ohio most of the time but traveled extensively for many of my 50 years in Business.  

Topic: Networking - Are You Doing It Correctly?

In this session attendees will be challenged with new ideas about effective networking. Even the best sales professionals need a tune-up!

Sean O’Shaughnessey is the founder of New Sales Expert, LLC. He’s dedicated to helping B2B company owners and sales leaders unlock their business’s full potential by creating scalable, reliable revenue engines that don’t rely on heroism. With a focus on sales leadership, management systems, messaging, and methodology, he brings a wealth of expertise. Sean hosts two engaging podcasts, "AI Tools for Sales Pros" and “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales.” He also leads the vibrant B2B Sales Lab community and organizes the monthly networking event, Beers & Biz, in Wyoming, OH, where he makes connections and shares insights in a friendly atmosphere.