FREEPORT – The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce is beginning a series of new daytime seminars, Lunchtime Food For Thought, kicking it off Monday, May 20, with a discussion on the Affordable Care Act led by Brandon Cohen of Norton Financial Services.

“The idea is that we will organize a monthly seminar-type event that will cover topical information or fun, marketing type information,” said Sande Updegraph, executive director for the chamber.

Updegraph said the idea is akin to similar Lunch and Learn programs, but the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerice is avoiding the “brown bag” aspect for the time being.

“We will have the events at local restaurants to, of course, highlight their business and make it easier for attendees. They can listen, ask questions, but also get their lunch in,” said Updegraph, who took the over the reins of the 196-member group in March.

Cohen will discuss what business owners need to know about the Affordable Care Act in terms of eligibility and how to understand the health insurance exchange market.

The event is open to anyone, but eventually the price of admission will be two-tiered, with a discount for chamber members, said Updegraph.

“The primary purpose for any chamber is networking,” she said. “It’s to expose not only residents of the community, but also businesses to each other. Folks like to do business with people they know and like to get referrals that way. But they also need information, and sometimes when you’re in business you don’t have time to search things out and read all the newspapers you’d like to. So this new series focuses on particular topics that we’ve identified as of interest to our members and the community.

Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce Lunchtime Food For Thought, Monday, May 20, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Freeport Seafood Co., 175 Lower Main St. Brandon Cohen of Norton Financial Services presents a program on the Affordable Care Act. Registration fee is $20 per person. For more information, email Sande Updegraph at sande@freeportmainechamber.com or call 847-5240