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Fairfield Chamber provides extra networking time

Lois Working networks with other business owners during a networking session on Jan. 28 at the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members are able to use this time to meet and discuss their products and services with each other.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Lois Working networks with other business owners during a networking session on Jan. 28 at the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members are able to use this time to meet and discuss their products and services with each other.

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 3:17 PM Tuesday, February 9, 2010

FAIRFIELD — Networking can be an important tool in business, and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is adding to that tool box.

Beginning Feb. 18, the chamber will add a third business networking session to its lineup, said president and CEO Kert Radel. The chamber offers two noon networking sessions on the second and fourth Thursdays each month. This third session will begin near the end of the business day.

“One of my goals when I came to the chamber was to listen to the membership,” Radel said.

Members enjoy the session but it can be difficult for some to attend regularly, he said. Some suggested to Radel they’d like to see a session later in the day.

The sessions give business professionals a chance to network with 35 to 50 people at one time — all within about an hour.

“It gives you this great advantage of talking about your business, making connections with other people who may be interested in your service or product,” Radel said.

The chamber president said some stay after the meeting to conduct business.

Tim Fitzharris, financial advisor with Haire, Bohmer Wealth Management Group, said it’s an extension of his business.

“A third alternative may bring in some new folks, or maybe it may expand some of the benefits of the networking,” he said.

Fitzharris said the networking sessions are “much more than the exchange of business cards.”

“It’s really an added way for us to get our name out there, and allow other folks who are heavily involved in the community to know who we are,” he said.

About a 50-50 mix of new people to regular attendees are at the two lunch-hour networking sessions. Some start to show up as early as 11 a.m. A spotlight member is featured at the meetings.

The evening session will be slightly less structured and starts at 4:30 p.m. every third Thursday. The sessions are for members, but non-members are invited to attend one session. Reservations are required. For details, call (513) 881-5500.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.

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