Building upon the idea that a business is better positioned for long-term success with the right partners on board, this panel brings together three professionals—an accountant, an attorney and a business banker. They’ll discuss their roles and collaboration as external experts helping business clients achieve their goals. In an open dialog, the three panelists will cover best practices, considerations when selecting outside experts and why it’s important to have a team of trusted professionals supporting your company’s profitability and long-term success.  Panelists include:

BUSINESS BANKER: Shannon Mitchell — With 10 years of banking experience, Shannon leads a team of bankers who specialize in solutions tailored to their clients’ needs. She and her colleagues serve clients by getting to know them and understanding the needs and challenges of their business. With a passion for partnering with business owners to support their financial goals, she mentors and leads her team by example, and collaborates with fellow experts at Banner Bank to offer the right blend of tools for the situation. Shannon looks forward to assisting businesses as they aim to expand, retool and grow their operations.

ACCOUNTANT:  Mario Raia–Mario is an accomplished Senior Advisor with more than 30 years of success spanning technology, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and construction. Leveraging extensive experience as a business coach, trainer, and speaker, Mario is a valuable asset for a company requiring advisory related to serious challenges in, stagnant sales, rapid growth, or company management. His broad areas of expertise include revenue optimization, operational strategy, management and leadership development, business turnaround planning, process improvements, and cash management. Mario excels at building cross-functional teams, and working in crisis management situations. Mario helps leaders solve problems and highlights their strengths while defining goals. He defines their market space, initiates a robust strategic planning process, and assembles marketing and sales pipeline tracking systems. 
A strategic visionary, Mario has worked in both startups and Fortune 100 companies. He has been involved with management development work with Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, Tyco Electronics, Wells Fargo, General Electric, LSI Logic, and Providence Healthcare. 
Mario attained his Masters of Accountancy and his BS in Accountancy both from Brigham Young University. He has practiced in the past as a Certified Public Accountant. Mario holds certifications in Production and Supply Chain Logistics and Project Management and is a Theory of Constraints practitioner. 

ATTORNEY: Gregory P. Bessert (LL.M. Taxation) — Gregory is celebrating 35 years as a practicing attorney during 2020. His practice includes comprehensive business, tax, and estate planning services for small business owners, farmers, ranchers, and timberland owners as well as federal and state tax litigation services. He also advises out of state business concerns on matters related to Washington’s excise tax program.  Mr. Bessert is a member of the Washington and Oregon State Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice and has experience before the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, Washington’s Board of Tax Appeals, Oregon’s Supreme Court, and Oregon’s Tax Court. Mr. Bessert earned his B.S. degree from Oregon State University, his J.D. degree from Gonzaga University (cum laude), and his LL.M. Taxation from the University of Florida.