DAVIS COUNTY — Solid connections are essential to business success.

Cell phones, faxes, e-mail, and the Internet all create essential modern connections, but the best tool for building a strong local business is as old as human history.

It is building a large network of face-to-face connections with people who will make your business grow. Strong connections to customers, potential customers, suppliers, civic leaders, compatible businesses, and even competitors often make the difference between a business that thrives and one that barely survives.

The mission of the Davis Chamber of Commerce is to help Davis County businesses make and keep those connections. It’s called networking, and we make it happen every day.

Networking has always been an essential part of the Chamber’s mission. A recent survey of local businesses, however, confirmed that providing opportunities to network is the most valued function the Chamber provides in today’s economy. With that growing dependency on networking in mind, the Davis Chamber has increased the size, scope, and frequency of the networking opportunities it provides.

The Chamber now hosts networking luncheons three days a week for local businesses. Business relationships and deals are formed every week at these luncheons.

They are held every Tuesday in Layton (currently at Rovali’s Risotante Italianno, 1330 E Hwy 193 Ste #C-1), every Wednesday in Bountiful (currently at Sego Lily Cafe, 305 North Main St.) and every Friday in Clearfield (currently at Ramblin’ Roads, 49 East 200 South).

They are open to any business or individual with an interest in increasing their network of contacts in Davis County. The all inclusive cost of the lunches is $11 for Chamber members and $13 for non-Chamber members. Attendance ranges from 25 to 45 people at each lunch.

Mark Appelbaum of Send Out Cards chairs the Layton lunch.

“Our goal is more than coming away with a fist full of business cards,” he said. “We want to build relationships that create friends as well as customers.”

In keeping with this philosophy, each of the Luncheon Chairs keeps the meetings light and lively. Ron Colman of Global marketing Plus chairs the Bountiful luncheon and Mark Aspittle of Pre-paid Legal Services chairs the Clearfield gathering.

Each luncheon begins at 11:15 a.m. with 15 minutes of open networking. The meetings are called to order at 11:30 and each new participant takes a minute to introduce themselves on a personal level.

Once the meals arrive each participant stands and has a few minute to introduce their business and their current needs or offers. This is followed by a featured 10-minute presentation by one participant. Feature presenters sign up for these slots a few weeks in advance and must be Chamber members.

There is time for open Q&A among the entire group and then the meeting is adjourned…at least in principle.

In reality, participants remain to broker deals, arrange future meeting times, or broaden their networks even further with the ever popular phrase, “You know, I have a friend who…”

As with any event, the Davis Chamber networking lunches pay out based on what is put into them.

Regular attendees regularly expand their circle of contacts and their bottom line. Call the Davis Chamber at 801-593-2200 or visit www.davischamberofcommerce.com for more information about our three weekly networking luncheons and all of our other network building events and services.

Additional network opportunities sponsored by the Davis Chamber, including Business-After-Hours, Friday Forums, Quarterly Membership Luncheons, and various expos, seminars, and programs will be featured in future articles.

The Davis Chamber, Essential to Your Success.

news@davisclipper.com