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The Practical AI Toolkit: From Smarter Workflows to Getting Found Online

September 18, 2026 –

Join the Adirondack Innovation Initiative (A2i), local business leaders and Saranac Lake Free Library for a practical, hands-on session designed to help Adirondack businesses and nonprofits streamline operations and adapt to how search is changing. This Lunch & Learn breaks down AI into two core operational strategies: using AI internally as an operational team member and ensuring external AI search platforms recommend your business.

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, September 18
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
  • Location: Saranac Lake Free Library
  • Cost: Free

RSVP Here:

What We’ll Cover

Part 1) Claude as Employee: Hiring, Training, and Managing the Staff I Don’t Have

Speaker: Charlotte Newbury, Risk Management Executive and Founder of NewburyHill Advisory

Charlotte built her advisory firm by structuring Claude to perform core staff functions—from drafting proposals and pricing models to managing client documentation and file organization. Learn how to onboard and manage AI tools with clear boundaries, house rules, and knowledge repositories to ensure output remains accurate and aligned with your business.

  • Onboarding & Workflows: How to structure “house rules” and ongoing memory.
  • Practical Mechanics: Understanding projects, memory, and skills in daily operations.
  • Lessons Learned: Common pitfalls when adopting AI staff tools and how to avoid them.

Part 2) Zero-Click, Not Zero-Chance: Getting Recommended in the Age of AI Answers

Speaker: Bernie Gracy, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Monotype

Search is shifting from page-one links to instant AI answers. When potential customers or donors ask AI tools for regional recommendations, your business needs to be the definitive answer. Bernie introduces Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and shares zero-budget actions local entities can take immediately to remain discoverable.

  • Understanding AEO: Why being the single recommended answer matters more than ranking on page one.
  • Zero-Click Strategy: How AI aggregates content to answer user prompts directly.
  • Actionable Steps: Simple, low-cost steps for North Country businesses and nonprofits to increase AI visibility.

Lunch and Learn Timing

  • 12:00 PM – 12:05 PM: Opening Remarks & Introductions (Svetlana / A2i)
  • 12:05 PM – 12:30 PM (25 mins): Charlotte Newbury | Claude as Employee: Hiring, Training, and Managing the Staff I Don’t Have
  • 12:30 PM – 12:55 PM (25 mins): Bernie Gracy | Zero-Click, Not Zero-Chance: Getting Recommended in the Age of AI Answers
  • 12:55 PM – 1:25 PM (30 mins): Q&A & Discussion
  • 1:25 PM – 1:30 PM: Wrap-up

Who Should Attend

  • Small business owners looking to reduce administrative workload.
  • Nonprofit directors and staff seeking efficient operational workflows.
  • Regional entrepreneurs, managers, and marketers looking to stay competitive in search and discovery.

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