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Area chambers look to build business, relationships By David Dinell Last Updated: November 12, 2015 Four north Sedgwick County chambers of commerce are coming together for a mixer Nov. 19. While it's a social occasion, the intent also is to build relationships and further businesses in the area. Hosted by the Park City Chamber of Commerce, the event includes chambers from Kechi, Bel Aire and Valley Center and is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the north atrium of Best Western Wichita Hotel and Suites, 915 E. 53rd St. North. It's an open event and anyone who is interested in area business development is welcomed to attend. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be provided and are sponsored by LDF Cos. Inc., the franchisee for the Park City Wendy's location. Officials and members of the various chambers say that while they may recognize someone's name, they don't know their face or have never met them — and this event should help change that. "We've had discussions that we need to work together to bring more businesses to the area, and have more function and more events to help that," said Kim Madison, general manager of the hotel and member of the Park City Chamber. Thus, the joint chamber mixer. "It's just a good idea to get together," she said. Madison said she doesn't know members of the other chambers, but is looking forward to meeting them. Among those attending will be people from the Kechi Chamber of Commerce. Co-president Virginia Riemann said some six members from Kechi will attend. She, too, thinks it's a good idea. Madison doesn't know how many people to expect, but said officials have had "really, good positive response" so far. Park City chamber gatherings get 20 to 25 people, and so if that crowd is doubled, Madison said organizers will consider the event a success. Madison has been with the chamber for three years and said that as far as she knows, the multi-chamber gathering has not been done before. At this time, plans call for them to be held on a regular basis. The gathering's come-and-go format calls for it to be strictly social and networking and there won't be vendor tables or a program. With the social aspect in mind, there will be a piano player providing entertainment. But if businesses is done or any of the chambers get new members, that's all for the good, Madison said. "It's all about how we can get to know each other, work together in the community," she said. "That's where it came from, being good neighbors." It's not the intent of the groups to compete with each other for business, as any new business in the area helps, she said. "What benefits one benefits all," she said. |
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