Chamber Holds First Networking Event at ArtSquare

A number of local business owners met during a networking and exhibition event at ArtSquare, Tuesday night. Hosted by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Alliance (WIBA) and the Non-Profit Initiative, more than 75 people attended.
The event featured watercolors by Catherine Hillis and paintings by Danny Robbins, currently on display at the studio. Wines from Notaviva Vineyards were also available as well as desserts catered by Chantel's Cake and Pastries.

Events Coordinator Ashlie Vickers said this was the first time a networking event has been held at the local gallery, which opened off Cardinal Park Drive about a year ago.

“WIBA has several networking mixers each year and the first of the year we always like to kick off with something fun, exciting,” Vickers said. “If I'm not mistaking ArtSquare reached out to us as a new member of the chamber and just wanted to showcase their new facilities. So from that we just ran with it.”

About eight networking events are held each year, Vickers said, including luncheons, a golf series and fall fashion event.

“For this one in particular we've partnered with our Nonprofit Initiative so we're really getting a wide showing of people who've never come to a Women's Business Alliance event, which is really neat,” Vickers said. “So far we are looking at about 60 to 75 attendees right now, which would make it our biggest mixer yet.”

President and CEO Tony Howard said he was happy to see such a great turnout on Tuesday and said it was a great way to support ArtSquare, a local nonprofit.

It's also a great way to come together and network, he said, no matter what industry you're in.

“Folks enjoy networking,” Howard said. “They can learn things from their peers in their industry, they can make contacts, business opportunities and career opportunities.”

Long and Foster Realtor Pam Jones said she's been with the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce for six years and has benefited from participating in similar events. Last year almost 30 percent of her business was generated based on the chamber, she said.

“There are people here in the building that I've done business with, that I refer business too and who support my business as well so that's really bottom line,” Jones said.

“It's really a time to network and make good connections,” Vickers said. “The chamber has a reputation for having fun mixers. This is a little different. The arts are classy, it's sophisticated and women like that.”

Vickers added that ArtSquare was a new location for the mixer, and that Leesburg’s centrality made it a good location for such events.

WIBA, a committee made up of female chamber members, serves to provide women business professionals with resources and activities that fostered development and growth in the business community.

The Non-Profit Initiative was created to support the nonprofit members of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce with an emphasis on helping nonprofits communicate their mission, value, and engagement opportunities to Loudoun County's business community.

To learn more about either or these groups or for upcoming chamber events call 703-777-2176 or visit www.loudounchamber.org/.