The Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce tried something new at their annual general meeting on March 24, to engage their membership in a different, fun way: speed networking.
Like speed dating, participants had a short amount of time to get to know other local business owners at the event held in the Vimy room at the Ponoka Legion.
President Sherry Gummow said a good time was had by all. About 20 to 25 people came out for the event — a far cry better than in November when their meeting had to be cancelled because there weren’t enough people to form a quorum.
“People got unaccustomed to going out to things,” said Gummow, adding “It’s been a struggle.”
Instead of a 45-minute speaker, members and non-chamber members alike enjoyed a lighter evening of socializing, she said.
“There was definite positive feedback.”
Although chamber meetings are typically for members, word of the event spread and other local business owners joined in, according to Gummow.
During the meeting, Gummow was installed as president by Mayor Kevin Ferguson, and Diane Rose was sworn in as vice president.
The chamber’s next main event is their annual trade show, which will be held April 14 and 15.
The chamber is also hosting an election forum on May 18 at the legion.
They are planning to bring in a speaker in late May to early June about how to make your business a destination.
