Biz Night - Tuesday, Feb 22

2^nd ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS NETWORKING AT OUR FEBRUARY 22nd MEETING

Need a babysitter? A plumber? An electrician? A housepainter? A dogwalker/groomer? A housekeeper? An organizer? A lawyer? A Realtor? An Astrologist? A manicurist? An auto mechanic? Well – in many cases there is no need to look further than your own neighborhood where we have people who do all of these things and more.

We started “Biz” night last year and it was a great success so are doing it again at our February 22nd meeting (next Tuesday night). We are inviting those members of the community with business services an opportunity to tell their neighbors what they do. What a great way to get the word out about your small business- and for people seeking a specific service to find you!

For a fee of $10 for members or $20 for non-members (you can join the Association that night and we will apply $10 of your membership to the fee- so you get to speak AND be a member for $20 – a $10 savings!) or $5 for those under 18- you will have the opportunity to spend 3-5 minutes explaining your business, handing out cards and answering questions. We will have coffee and networking after the official meeting where you will have an opportunity to answer more specific questions and just mingle with your neighbors. It’s a great opportunity for us to support businesses that are local – and for our residents to find someone nearby when they need a specific service.

I’m just one example of making the most of neighborhood contacts and have used a plumber, electrician, housecleaner, computer geek and handyman all within a few block radius. I’ve also been on the receiving end of neighborhood referrals- doing legal work for several people in the community. I really appreciate those referrals and know first hand how word of mouth references can build your business. I’ve found in many cases you don’t know what exactly it is that your neighbors do – you just nod and smile at them in passing- and this is the answer to that curiosity. I recently discovered one of my neighbors is an accomplished artist, another is a terrific potter, and a third is an all round whiz at organizing- you never know until you ask. There will be raffles for some interesting items- if you want to donate anything to the cause – be it a gift certificate for your business or – did you get something for Christmas you don’t know what to do with but can’t bring yourself to toss because it is brand new and in the box? One man’s “I can’t re-gift that because the only person I know who would like it is the person who gave it to me” is another man’s treasure. Bring it with you and we will recycle.

We plan on making this an annual event- and hope that those seeking to advertise their businesses and those seeking services all will attend. Attendees will be featured on our Blog and Facebook page after the event. The meeting is at 7:00 pm Tuesday, February 22 at the Community Center. We hope to see you all there!

Please send us an E-mail to let us know you will be participating.... or just show up (: MyCroissantPark@gmail.com

Pat Rathburn, Vice-President

Croissant Park Civic Association

Meeting your neighbors enhances the security of our neighborhood. Come out and find out who they are.