Official Publication of Grand Forks - East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce

Page 2Some Say “Risk”, TheChamber Says “Investment”

Page 3Wake Up to UND Breakfast

Page 5Local Business PeopleReceive Awards

Page 6 & 7A Month In Pictures

Page 8Business Briefs

Page 10July Brown Bag Seminar

Page 11July Business After Hours &

Page 1122 Networking Tips

Vol 5 Issue 7 July 2009

202 N. 3rd StreetGrand Forks, ND 58203

PO Box 315East Grand Forks, MN 56721

(701)772-7271(701)772-9238 Fax

info@gochamber.orgwww.gochamber.org

Mission Statement

“The Chamber of Commercecreates an environment

that encourages businesssuccess while enhancing the quality of life in our region.”

FRIDAY ACTIVITIES: Gates open 5pm – 8:00pmFood Vendors & Beer GardenCaps, t-shirts, button, etc. for saleTournament Meeting – 7:00pmHow to handle fish – Aquatic Nuisances by ND Game & FishEvent MC - Ernie the Angler

SATURDAY ACTIVITIES: Gates open 11:00am – 8:00pmFood Vendors & Beer Garden

Caps, t-shirts, buttons, etc. for saleCats Incredible Fishing Tournament – Day 1

Cat’s Incredible Altru/YMCA ½ Marathon/5k Walk/Run – 8amGames Galore Inflatable games for kids

Young Professionals/Hugo’s “Beans on the Bank” Chili Challenge -Judging & $5 Sampling at 1pm – Awards at 3pm.

Caricature Artist from 1pm – 4pmCold Shot Band (formerly Deliverance) – Appearing Live 6pm – 8pm

EGF Police Officer’s Association Raffle Drawing – 7pm

SUNDAY ACTIVITIES: Gates open 12noon – 8pmFood Vendors & Beer GardenCaps, t-shirts, buttons, etc. for saleCat’s Incredible Fishing Tournament – Day 2Games Galore Inflatable Games for kidsTeam Hobby Town Remote Airplane & Car Demonstration 11am – 4pmKalenze, Baglien, Thompson & Ryan – Live Music from 2pm – 4pmStrolling Magic and Balloon Sculpting 1pm – 4pmRed River Valley Gymnastics Acro Team – 2pmCat’s Incredible Tournament Awards – 6pm

July 31, August 1 & 2, 2009LaFave Park, Downtown EGFFREE ADMISSION

GW & Sons

Sponsors

Staff

Barry WilfahrtPresident/CEO

barry@gochamber.org

Lisa SwansonVice President of Operations

lisas@gochamber.org

Jennifer WalshMembership Relations Director

jenniferw@gochamber.org

Corrina SachnoProgram Coordinator

corrinas@gochamber.org

Carla YounceFinance Director

carlay@gochamber.org

Shannon BakerAdministrative Assistant

OfficersChair: Rick DuquetteCity of Grand Forks

Chair-Elect: Barb SchultzIdeal Aerosmith, Inc.

Past Chair: Jerry YoungbergFirst Realty of GFF

Secretary: Scott RocheGreat Plains Financial Group

Chris SemrauRalph Engelstad Arena

Thane BerghAmerican Federal Bank

Barry WilfahrtThe Chamber - GF/EGF

DirectorsPat Berger - United Way of GF/EGF

Andy Byron - United Valley Bank

Jim Galloway - JLG Architects

Kristi Hall-Jiran - CVIC

Kent Hanson - NCTC

Jeff Jasperson- Canad InnsCurt Kreun - GF City Council

Sonia Lajimodiere - The Lighting GalleryBryan Lee - Gateway Storage

Monica Musich - Valley Dairy Stores

Linda Pierce -Crary Homes & Real Estate

Jim Richter - EGF EDHA

Tim Sayler - Altru Health System

Steve Swanson - AE2S

Klaus Thiessen - GF Regional EDC

Sr. Military Advisor to the BoardColonel John Michel - GFAFB

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PPPPPrrrrresidentesidentesidentesidentesident’’’’’s Messas Messas Messas Messas Messagggggeeeee

My name is Sarah Barry and I havebeen interning for the Chambersince the beginning of June. I am a

senior at UNDmajoring in man-agement. I took myLSAT this June andplan to attend lawschool at UNDnext fall. In myfree time I like tohang out with my

Delta Gamma sorority sisters, playwith my new puppy Lexi, and go tothe lake with my family.

I have been working on a variety ofprojects at the Chamber, and havebeen enjoying the broad range ofwork I get to do. I have beenworking on gathering informationfor the MAC committee to focus onthe more modern needs of the Air

Every month localmedia can’t wait forthe latest AlerusCenter financialreport. While moni-toring finances on amonthly basis isclearly important,concentrating on

month-to-month operating expenses isjust a fraction of the story and some-what short sighted. Booking majorconcerts and events are inherentlyrisky and everyone is not amoneymaker for the venue. However,the direct, indirect and induced im-pacts of the Alerus Center and itssister venue the Ralph Engelstad Areaare huge for the Grand Forks/EastGrand Forks Business Community.This “risk” is really an “investment” inthe growth and prosperity of ourcommunity.

Force Base and to create a strongerline of communication between themilitary and the community.

I have also been working on updatinginformation for alumni of the Leader-ship Training Program so we cancreate a database of information toconnect people in the communitylooking for volunteers and thosealumni who are looking to volunteer.This will provide graduates of theleadership class opportunities tosucceed thorough community involve-ment.

Another project I have been workingon is updating the information for theCommunity Profile/MembershipDirectory so the data in the guide willbe current and relevant when it isprinted.

Some Say “Risk”, the Chamber says“Investment”

We should be more concerned if theAlerus and REA were not taking somemeasured “risks” and trying to pushthe envelope to bring in the biggestand best events possible to maximizethe use of the Northern Valleys twobiggest venues.

Both the Alerus and the Ralph havebeen very aggressive in recent years.While not every event has been ahuge financial success for the venue,every event has been an overallsuccess when the impacts on thecommunity are considered.

The business community needs tovigorously support both of thesecommunity icons and help the broadercommunity understand taking somerisk is really an investment in thefuture of our community.

Summer Intern at The Chamber - GF/EGF

Barry Willfahrt

CCCCChamber Updatehamber Updatehamber Updatehamber Updatehamber Update

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2010 MembershipDirectory to BeProduced In-HouseIn 2010, The Chamber will publish thesame high quality Membership Directoryas it has in the past with one difference:this directory will be managed in-house.Chamber staff will sell the advertising andwork with a local company in the design,layout and printing of the book. Thismethod will allow all of the proceeds fromad sales to be kept here to operate themany quality chamber programs. In thepast the Chamber has hired an outsidepublishing firm to sell and produce theChamber Membership Directory.

The 2010 directory will feature the GrandCities and our Chamber Members. 5000copies will be printed and distributedthroughout the area. There will also be anonline version of the book that will allowthe book to be viewed by anyoneinterested in our communities.

Ad sales are just now starting. Pleasesupport this change by purchasing an adin the Chamber Membership Directory.For more information about advertising inthe directory, contact Jennifer at 772-7271or jenniferw@gochamber.org.-

Thank You for Renewing Your MembershipThe following businesses know the value of their Chamber Membership and have renewed their

membership in The Chamber - GF/EGF. Please visit them for your purchasing needs.

1st RealtyAaron’s Sales & LeaseAFLAC - Joe PatockaAmericinn Motels & SuitesAnytime FitnessBotsford & Qualey Land Co.Business Specialties, CPAsCariveau, George A. Business ConsultantCentury 21, Red River RealtyCentury 21 - Cheryl TupaCrary Homes & Real Estate - Mary AdamsD.J. Burris Quality Carpet CleaningDecorating Concepts & DesignDiamond Lounge

East Grand InnGFAFB 319th Force Support SquadronHome Place Thrift StoreICON Architectural GroupInsure ForwardItalian Moon Pizza & RestaurantMedicap PharmacyMidwest SupplyND Museum of ArtRiver Cities SpeedwaySnap FitnessWendy’sWendy’s - 32nd Ave S.

Lisa Swanson AttendsOrganizationalManagement TrainingLisa Swanson, Chamber Vice President ofOperations, attended one week of trainingat the Institute for Organization Manage-ment in Madison Wisconsin last month.

The four year program,put on by the U.S.Chamber of Commercefor professionals from allover the US, providesadvanced organizationaltraining on topics fromfiscal management tovolunteers recruitment.

Lisa also received a scholarship for herattendance from both the MN and NDChambers of Commerce to help defraysome of the cost of attending. Lisa willattend sessions each year for the nextthree years with an anticipated graduationin 2012.

Wake up With UNDSeptember 16thMark your calendars for the Wake Up toUND Breakfast to be held on September16th.

UND President Robert Kelly will addressthe business community at a breakfastevent on Wednesday, September 16th atthe Alerus Center. We look forward tohearing Dr. Kelly as he shares his visionfor the university for the upcomingschool year. All Chamber members willreceive a special invitation. Please savethe date for this 7:30 a.m. breakfast event.

Sponsorships are available. If you’d likeinformation on how you can sponsor theWake Up to UND Breakfast featuring Dr.Kelly, contact Lisa atlisas@gochamber.org or call 772-7271.

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CCCCChamber Newshamber Newshamber Newshamber Newshamber News

Welcome New MembersGarbonzo’s Pizza & Arcade –Canad InnsJeff Jasperson – General Manager1000 S 42nd StGrand Forks, ND 58201701-772-8404grandforks@canadinns.comwww.canadinns.comGarbonzo’s Pizza and Arcade is afamily entertainment center withexciting arcade games and a tastysnack menu featuring Garbonzo’shome-made pizza.Come over soon to try deliciousfood, more games and evenMORE fun at Garbonzo’s!

Seven Clans Casino20595 Center St EThief River Falls, MN 567011-800-881-0712Reservations: 1-866-255-7848www.sevenclanscasino.comMake your great escape! Morethan 800 slots, blackjack, greatfood, player’s club, huge monthlygiveaways, great dining and more.Make Seven Clans Thief RiverFalls your great escape. Play on12 indoor water slides, including amonstrous 275-footer, and relax inone of our 151 luxury rooms.

Dakota Local LLCJonathan Behrens419 6th St NGrand Forks, ND 58203admin@dakotalocal.comwww.dakotalocal.comWho Else Wants IncreasedVisibility, Higher Transactions,More Repeat Clients and Turbo-Charged Word of Mouth? Opti-mize your business today. Callnow for your FREE “WOW” Strat-egy Session. 800-659-3386.

Bella VinoKym EnlowLaurie Tweten108 N 3rd StGrand Forks, ND 58203701-757-8466Check out the Grand Cities onlywine bar in downtown Grand Forks.Exclusive wine list, importedbeers, unique appetizers, deca-dent desserts. Open Monday-Saturday 4:30 to close with nightlyspecials. Bella’s Blue Roomavailable for private parties, call toinquire.

Schedule an Ambassador VisitIf you’d like the Ambassador’s to help

celebrate your grand opening, newlocation, remodel, etc., contact Jen at

772-7271 or jenniferw@gochamber.org

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CCCCChamberhamberhamberhamberhamber News News News News News

The Chamber and the Small BusinessCommittee were happy to host a receptionto recognize several of our ChamberMembers who received awards.

Held at the Hilton Garden Inn, awardswere presented to Linn Hodgson with AdMonkeys for the 2009 North Dakota SBA

Local Business People Receive AwardsJournalist of the Year, Matt Winjum &Arron Hendricks from Rhombus Guys forthe 2009 North Dakota SBA YoungEntrepreneur of the Year and to Bryan Leewith GateWay Storage LLP for the 2009Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader.

Awards were presented by Jim Stai withthe ND Small Business Administration,

Eric Giltner with the local SBA office,Bruce Gjovig with the Center for Innova-tion, Sheila Bruhn with the CommunityFoundation and Gwen Klawon with UNDAerospace.

Congratulations to these outstandingbusiness people!

Dale Carnegie is coming to Grand Forks to help you find your missing piece.Equip yourself and your team to perform as a persuasive communicator, creative problem solver and intelligent risk-taker. Develop a take-charge attitude that will help you get organized as a confident, enthusiastic leader. This course will power you beyond your comfort zone and help you stretch to achieve new ambitious goals. See results that can be measured on the bottom line.

If you’re serious about success call today about the upcoming training opportunity beginning this August in Grand Forks!

For more information contact:Kim Jordahl, Corporate Solutions Consultant218.864.4006 | kjordahl@eidebailly.com

OFFERED BY EIDE BAILLY LLP

w w w. n o r t h d a k o t a . d a l e c a r n e g i e . c o m

A Month in PicturesA Month in PicturesA Month in PicturesA Month in PicturesA Month in Pictures

The Chamber’s Insure Forward/Bank Forward Golf

Classic

Business After Hours - Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits andValley Golf

GFAFB Air Refueling Flight - Jeff Westrem

Business After Hours - Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits andValley Golf

Business Awards Reception

Business After Hours - Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits andValley Golf

A Month in PicturesA Month in PicturesA Month in PicturesA Month in PicturesA Month in Pictures

Business Awards Reception

Business After Hours - Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine & Spirits

and Valley Golf

Business After Hours - Hugo’s/Hugo’s Wine &

Spirits and Valley Golf

Business Awards Reception

Business After Hours - Hugo’s/Hugo’sWine & Spirits and Valley Golf

BBBBBusiness Briefsusiness Briefsusiness Briefsusiness Briefsusiness Briefs

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Altru Welcomes Grant R.Seeger, MD and OkorieNduka, MDGrant R. Seeger, MD, joins Altru CancerCenter as a radiation oncologist. Dr.Seeger received his medical degree fromthe University of North Dakota School ofMedicine and Health Sciences, andcompleted his residency internship at theUniversity of Minnesota Internal Medi-cine program. He also did a four-yearradiation oncology residency at theUniversity of Texas Medical Branch. Dr.Seeger is an experienced physician withskills in radiation surgical implants forgynecologic and prostate cancers.

Okorie Nduka, MD, joins Altru HealthSystem’s Critical Care Unit. Dr. Okoriegraduated from the University of CalabarCollege of Medical Sciences of Nigeria. Heserved as the chief fellow in the criticalcare medicine division at Cooper Univer-sity Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Dr.Okorie also received the Charles D.Engelhardt Memorial Award in Neurologyfrom the Orlando Regional HealthcareFoundation.

AE2S Hires Student InternsAE2S (Advanced Engineering andEnvironmental Services, Inc.) has hiredPaige Ferguson, Travis Grimsley, GeoffSlick, and Ryan Grubb as Student Internsin its Grand Forks, ND office.

Paige Ferguson is anative of Grand Forks,ND and is going to be ajunior at Red River HighSchool this fall. AtAE2S, she is assistingwith administrativetasks, as well as theproduction of the 2009

AE2S North Central Utility Rate Study.

Travis Grimsley is alsoa native of Grand Forks,ND and will be asophomore at theUniversity of NorthDakota (UND). At AE2S,he is providing survey-ing services on theRugby, ND Street

Improvements, Ashtabula II Wind Farm,and the UND Site Work projects.

Geoff Slick is originally from Baudette,MN and earned his Bachelor’s Degree inCivil Engineering in May from UND. He

will be pursuing hisMaster’s Degree nextyear in EnvironmentalEngineering from UND.He is currently anEngineer in Training(EIT). At AE2S, he isworking with the RuralWater Group on the

Traill Rural Water and Langdon RuralWater Systems.

Ryan Grubb is returningto AE2S for his secondsummer of interning.Ryan is a native ofTioga, ND and ispursuing his Bachelor’sDegree in Civil Engi-neering from UND. AtAE2S, he is providing

surveying services for the Rugby StreetImprovements project.

Alerus Financial AnnouncesPromotions

Alerus Financial ispleased to announce thepromotion of ShariBreiland to BankingOperations Manager.

Previously the LoanOperations Manager,Breiland will now

oversee the loan and deposit operationteams.

Prior to joining Alerus Financial in 1998,Shari worked with deposit accounts andbank operations for 18 years. Shegraduated from Central Valley HighSchool in Buxton, ND and is currentlypursuing a management degree at theUniversity of Mary. Breiland lives inGrand Forks and has two grown sons.

Alerus Financial ispleased to announce thepromotion of TaraTaylor to CommercialLoan OperationsSupervisor.

Previously a CommercialLoan Operations

Specialist, Taylor will now be responsiblefor managing and assisting with the day-to-day processes and project work.

Taylor has worked at Alerus Financial for4 years and has over 6 years experience inthe financial industry. She holds a

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administra-tion with specializations in Finance andManagement from Mayville State Univer-sity and currently lives in East GrandForks with her husband, Chris.

RRH Student WinsPrestigious Water PrizeCompetitionBen Sun, a student at Red River HighSchool in Gran d Forks, ND, has been

named the winnerof the 2009Stockholm JuniorWater Prize(SJWP) competi-tion – the mostprestigious youthaward for a water-

related science project. Selected for hisproject on the Role of Street Solids inHeavy Metal Pollution of River Water, Benwill represent North Dakota at the nationalcompetition, June 25-27, 2009, in Anchor-age, Alaska. Here he will compete againstother young researchers from across thecountry for the opportunity to representthe United States at the internationalcompetition, which will take place inStockholm, Sweden, this August.

Tautges Becomes LEEDAccredited ProffesionalJeremy Tautges, EIT, of Widseth SmithNolting recently became a LEED Accred-ited Professional. The LEED (Leadershipin Energy and Environmental Design)Green Building Rating System is a

voluntary nationalstandard for developingsustainable buildings,which are energy- andwater-efficient andtypically cost less tooperate and maintainthan conventionalbuildings. LEED

Accredited Professionals understandgreen building practices and principlesand are familiar with LEED requirements,resources, and processes.

Tautges is a mechanical engineer intraining in Minnesota and has been withWSN since 2007. His responsibilitiesinclude project coordination, design, andspecification for mechanical (heating,ventilation, air conditioning and industrialprocesses) and plumbing piping systemsfor educational and commercial facilities.He earned a bachelor of science in

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CCCCChamber Newshamber Newshamber Newshamber Newshamber News

mechanical engineering from NorthDakota State University. Tautges will lendhis LEED AP expertise to the entire WSNservice area as a member of the WSNGreen Team.

Dobrowski Named to NDBusiness Watch: 40 Under 40Jennifer Dobrowski, client relationscoordinator with Altru Health Foundation,was named to the ND Business Watch: 40under 40 list. This list shares the top 40business leaders under the age of 40 inNorth Dakota. Designees were chosenbased on their community experience,leadership and professional development.

Jennifer has been part ofAltru Health Foundationsince 2004. As the clientrelations coordinator,she is responsible forthe development,implementation andmaintenance of all thedonor programs and

services of Altru Health Foundation.Additionally, Jennifer is responsible forthe Foundation’s public relations andcommunications with donors. Beforejoining Altru, she worked in customerservice/graphic design at Morgan Printingand was a media writing assistant at theUND Office of University Relations.Jennifer is highly involved in her commu-nity and is a member of Reynolds Commu-nity Betterment, Valley Officials Associa-tion, North Dakota Professional Communi-cators, National Federation of PressWomen, Association for HealthcarePhilanthropy, and both the Great GrandForks and North Dakota Young Profes-sionals organizations.

Alerus Financial Aquires EideBailly Retirement PlanAlerus Financial will acquire Eide Bailly’sretirement plan practice effective August1, 2009. The purchase, consisting of 175clients, will grow Alerus Financial’s wealthmanagement division to more than $6billion in assets.

“The acquisition fits our business model,with clients located in our North Dakotaand Minnesota markets.” says JohnFlesch, director of wealth management forAlerus Financial

VolunteersNeeded!

Volunteers are needed to help out at CatsIncredible this year on July 31st, Aug 1st & 2nd,

2009Cats Incredible is in its 22nd year as a premiere

catfish tournament and community festival. CatsIncredible is held on the riverbank behind

Cabela’s in East Grand Forks. Volunteers areneeded:

Friday – July 31st

Shifts from 5pm – 8pm

Saturday – August 1st

Shifts are 11:00am – 2pm, 2pm – 5pm and 5pm –

8pm

Sunday – August 2nd

Shifts are11:30am – 2pm, 2pm – 5pm

and 5pm – 8pm

All volunteers receive a Cats Incredible volunteert-shirt. If you’d like to have fun and help out at

Cats Incredible, email info@gochamber.org or call772-7271.

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CCCCChamber Newshamber Newshamber Newshamber Newshamber News

Member Referrals Made ByThe Chamber In 2009:

New Resident PacketsDistributed By The Chamber

In 2009:

122 Total for June: 6

47,600+ WebpageViews in One Month!

www.gochamber.org lists all our Chambermembers and people are finding you there!Some of the categories visited and number ofviews received from June 1st to July 2nd were:

Abstractor/Architects/Engineers 2587Restaurants 2121Hotels & Motels 1842Financial Institutions 1468Contractors & Construction 1336Realtors 1097Attorneys 886Automotive Supplies & Service 705Agriculture/agribusiness 659Non Profit Organizations 644Insurance Agencies 570Advertising Services 485

More Ways YourChamber Is Working

For You:

Total for June: 104

Total for June: 6

479

Certificates of Origin SignedBy The Chamber In 2009:

6

Wednesday, July 15, 200911:30am – 1pmThe Chamber

Lunch is provided$15/members … $25/ non-members

To register, contact The Chamber at 772-7271 orinfo@gochamber.org.

Reservation deadline is July 14.Seating is limited, sign up soon.

Reservations not cancelled 3 business days prior to theevent will be billed.

Ideal Aerosmith found Brown Bag Seminars to be agreat training tool. You can too....Hello,Just wanted to let you know that Ideal Aerosmith staffhave attended the last two Brown Bag luncheons and Ihave received good feedback on both of them.Everyone felt there was value and worth their time.Nice work!

Barb

A Chamber & SCORE Brown Bag Seminar

This brown bag is presented by:Scott Reinhart

The Valley Buzz, Owner

Customer loyalty makes or breaks a business. Findout how earn customer loyalty, understand your

customer and how to keep customers coming back.

The seminar will consist of:1. Building relationships.

2. Understanding Customer Loyalty.3. Ways to Earn Customer Loyalty.

4. How to keep customers coming back

How to Gain CustomerLoyalty

How to Gain CustomerLoyalty

CCCCChamber Nehamber Nehamber Nehamber Nehamber Newswswswsws

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CCCCChamber Nehamber Nehamber Nehamber Nehamber Newswswswsws

Mapleview Memory Care Community invites all Chamber Members and employees to their excitingBusiness After Hours at the area’s newest Memory Care Center. Stop in, enjoy the great food, fun &and take advantage of great networking opportunities while you are there. You might even win$1900 in our progressive cash drawing! We’ll draw the name of one Chamber Member business. If

someone from that business is present, they win!

Business After Hours is a great time to network, catch up with friends, coworkers and clients in a fun and casualway. Spread the word and plan to attend the next Business After Hours.

4650 S. Washington St.Thursday, July 16, 2009

4:45pm - 7:00pmFree Admission

Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres and drinks ~ Great DoorPrizes ~ Progressive cash drawing is at $1900! ~

NO RSVP Needed

Hosted byMapleview MemoryCare Community

Hosted by:

1. When you arrive at a networking event, avoid gravitatingto people you know. You should initially thank the host andthen immediately find someone new to introduce yourself to.This will help keep you in the right frame of mind as to why youcame.2. Stop selling and start listening! When you meet someonefor the first time, use it as an opportunity to get to know them.Don’t try to sell them anything. Rather, begin to establish arelationship.3. Keep your business cards in the breast pocket of yourcoat, a shirt pocket, or in an outside pocket of your purse sothey are easy to access and in good condition.4. When giving a person your card, personalize it by handwriting your cell number on it. This will cause the recipient tofeel that they are receiving something special.5. When giving or receiving a business card, be especiallycareful when dealing with people from outside the US asmany cultures treat them with very high regard.6. When receiving a card from someone, take a moment towrite yourself a note on it such as where you met. If you dothis while you’re still talking to the person, it will help conveyyour sense of personal connection.7. During the course of a conversation, use the otherperson’s first name two or three times. People always like tohear their own name and it will help you to remember it whenthe discussion is over.

8. Rather than telling a new contact all about yourself, spendyour time asking them questions. It’s amazing how muchyou’ll learn!9. After you meet someone for the first time, use the back oftheir business card to jot a note about something you learnedfrom the conversation and the date and place you met them.Recording the information will give you something to talk tothem about the next time you see them.10. Connect with the person you’re talking to by tilting yourhead as you listen to them. It is an effective body languagetechnique which communicates that you’re paying attention towhat they’re saying.11. When a person is talking to you, be sure to look directly atthem. Giving a person full attention with your eyes will encour-age them to share more.12. When giving someone eye contact, remember it’s not a“stare-down” contest. Give the person 3-5 seconds of eyecontact and then look away briefly before returning your focus tothem again.13. The best location to network is by a high-traffic area suchas a main door, the bar, or near the food.14. Never approach someone if they are walking towards therestroom or if they have a phone in their hand. Wait until theyhave returned to the networking area or put their phone away.

22 Tips for Networking at an Event By Mark Hunter

continued on next page

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Chamber CalendarJuly 2009

July 3Office ClosedJuly 7New Member Luncheon, 11:30am (COC)CATS Meeting, 4:30pm (COC)July 8BGEA Meeting, 7:30am (COC)Leadership Meeting, Noon (TBD)July 9MAC Meeting, 8am (COC)July 14 Agribusiness Meeting, 7:30am (Aaltos)July 15Finance Meeting, 7:30am (COC)Brown Bag, 11:30am (COC)July 16Executive Meeting, 7:30am (COC)Business After Hours, 4:30pm (Maple View)July 20Ambassadors Meeting, 11:30am (Grizzly’s)July 21CATS Meeting, 4:30pm (COC)July 24Past Board Chairs Meeting, 7:30am (COC)July 28Consolidation Review Task Force Meeting,2:30pm (COC)CATS Meeting, 4:30pm (COC)July 31CATS Incredible Catfish TournamentAugust 1CATS Incredible Catfish Tournament August 2CATS Incredible Catfish Tournament

15. After the person has shared something with you, ask themanother question about what they just said. This shows thatyou’re paying attention and that you care about what they’re telling you.16. Always keep one hand free to allow yourself to shakehands with people. This means that you shouldn’t eat and drink at thesame time. Remember, you’re there to network, not eat a full-coursemeal.17. As a way of demonstrating your networking skills, intro-duce each new person you meet to at least one other person.18. Never try to barge into a group of 4 or more people. Comealong side of the group, but do not attempt to enter into the discussionuntil you’ve made eye contact with everyone and a minimum of twoother people in the group have said something.19. Do not approach two people who are talking, as you may beinterrupting an important discussion.20. Initiate conversation with someone who is standing bythemselves. They’ll be happy to have someone to talk to them and, asa result, will many times open up with valuable information.21. When you meet someone for the first time, you have 48hours to follow up with them before they will completely forgetabout meeting you.22. A networking event is not a time to see how many businesscards you can acquire. Rather, it is a time to develop a few relation-ships that have potential.

22 Networking Tips Contintued

1 Month - Only $85

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Advertise your business here andyour ad will be hyperlinked to your

website or email address.

Click this ad to contact Lisa or call772-7271 to reserve this space.

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