There are a variety of networking opportunities for Hunterdon County business leaders.
Networking is a very widespread activity. You might not call it networking, but you interact with others on many levels just about every day.
You run into friends who introduce you to their companions. You attend a luncheon and meet new people seated at your table. You get to know others at a yoga class or a wedding party or an open house.
Every business owner looks for ways to introduce their operation to a wider circle of clients and customers. It is a vital part of growing the business.
Networking events can be informal - a couple of new business people join your golf foursome. As you progress around the golf course, everyone gets to know each other.
Or, networking events can have some structure - business people come together at an event, offering opportunities to widen reputations. The Hunterdon Chamber of Commerce runs several of these on a regular basis in different locations, and private groups offer even more.
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What gets your mouth watering quicker than s'mores? Who can resist chocolate and marshmallows, sandwiched between two graham crackers?
Well, s'mores have come a long way. Today, the treat can be made with chocolate chip cookies with even jello.
Every year, CenturyLink joins with the Hunterdon Chamber of Commerce to host s'mores summer fun. It's food, games, and networking.
This year's event is called the Happy Camper Card Club, and it's being held Thursday, Aug. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. It's at the YMCA Camp Carr, 1 Camp Buck Road, Annandale.
"People will be greeted by a camp counselor," said Laura Cummins. "There will be volleyball, horseshoes, and other games."
You will be able to make your own s'mores, but there's lots more food choices. Maddalena's will be on hand with barbecue-type foods and more, according to Cummins.
"It's a relaxed setting," she added. "It's a great opportunity to meet friends and make new ones."
Cummins is director of membership and events at the chamber. The chamber holds three regularly scheduled networking events each month.
Read on.
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There's also this week's Leads Exchange Central. It is being held Wednesday, Aug. 17, 7:45-9 a.m. at Flemington's Hampton Inn on Royal Road. The next one here is set for Wednesday, Sept. 21.
The next Leads Exchange North is set for Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the Holiday Inn in Clinton. And the next Leads Exchange West is set for Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Brokaw Photography, 34 Bridge St., Frenchtown.
"The first person in the door at these events has two minutes to talk about their business," explained Cummins. "And everyone has 30 seconds - fine tune your elevator speech."
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On the third Tuesday of each month, Julie Parker hosts a business networker in the banquet room of the Raritan Diner, 324 Route 31. This is a 5-year-old group with more than 450 members.
It's lunch with a guest speaker, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business. It's $17 to attend. The next meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 16. Or, plan to attend on Sept. 20.
Parker is a marketing and public relations specialist. For more information, call 908-310-8098 or visit MeetUp.com/small-biz-networking.
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Rob Bell runs Green Birdie Productions in Lambertville. He holds Network Lambertville sessions each month (except summer) that attract business people from Hunterdon, Mercer and Bucks counties.
Bell is kicking off the fall season on Thursday, Sept. 8, beginning at 6 p.m. Expect a speaker, a fully catered meal by Bitter Bob's BBQ, award-winning wine and dessert by Pudge Cakes. It's $20 cash or check at the door.
Green Birdie is a full production, top-of-the-line video and photography studio for business, organizations, and anyone else. It's located at 21 Bridge St. and free parking is available.
For more information, call 609-460-4550 or visit GreenBirdieVideo.com. Also on MeetUp.com/Network-Lambertville.
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Lisa van den Woldenberg runs Grape Finale in Flemington. This is a hands-on winemaking operation - without the vineyard. You make your own wine under expert guidance and direction.
"I have business owners who bring clients here to share the experience," she said. Others use wines as fund raisers or client gifts or stash their wines away for future use.
She is a graduate of UC-Davis, the educational institution known worldwide in the training of winemakers. And her operation here reflects that background.
"We're an award-winning winery," she explained. "Wine lovers can come and make their own." Grapes arrive in September and October from California, so the current wine-making season is about to begin. The spring season starts in April with grapes from South Africa and in May with grapes from Chile.
Grape Finale is holding a series of open houses in August. They are set for Fridays, Aug. 19 and 26 from 7-9 p.m., and on Saturdays, Aug. 20 and 27 from 4-6 p.m.
"For first timers, we have wines out that others have made," she added. It's a time to meet others interested in wines, sample a few, network, and plan your own journey.
"It takes about 4 hours of your time spread over 10 months," she explained. "People come in four times for reds, three times for whites." And she is there every step of the way - it's not a class.
In addition, Grape Finale is bringing in Metropolitan Seafood to hold a cooking demonstration with complimentary sampling of wines. It's set for Tuesday, Sept. 13, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call 908-237-0302 or visit GrapeFinale.com. It is located at 8 Bartles Corner Road in the business park.
Al Warr can be reached at 610-253-0432 or AlWarr16@gmail.com