Thursday, Jul. 24, 2008

Business networking group makes connections

Carolina Forest’s second business networking group was officially christened Networking the Forest on Thursday. More than three dozen people attended the group’s third meeting at Tavern in the Forest, voting in the official moniker and mission statement:

“Business leaders in the heart of the forest promoting positive business relationships in a professional manner.”

Spearheaded by Cindy June of Plantation Storage, the group is open to everyone with a business to promote, including competitors. Many networking groups, such as Carolina Forest Business Leaders, limit membership to a single representative from a particular type of business. But June’s concept includes everyone, regardless of what they do or where they do it.

Like many in attendance, Dave Vicars of A-Plus Pressure Washing attends both networking groups. The more exposure, the better, he said.

"To spread your business, you need to know there are people outside here,” said June, who agreed to lead the group with co-leaders Nora Mason of Costco, Francie Baldwin of WFXB FOX TV, and Terri Langston of AHI Agency, Inc., which sources affordable health insurance. “That’s what networking is all about.”

The group, which does not charge membership fees, defined their purpose as “to give back to Carolina Forest and our beach communities that provide us the opportunity to serve them.”

Members agreed to hold 9 a.m. business meetings on the fourth Thursday of the month and social after-hours meetings on the second Thursday of the month, so as not to conflict with Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce events. The next meeting is Aug. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Tavern in the Forest, and will be hosted by Tom Middleton of Paradise Realty.

“I’ve already had numerous referrals [from this group],” said Dave Murphy operating partner of The Tavern in the Forest. “I think it’s going to be a good thing for my business.”

For membership information, contact Cindy June at Plantation Storage at 903-7100.