The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce is honored to be able to provide the members with opportunities to network, advertise, attend educational seminars and get involved and give back to the community. One of the opportunities I feel is most important in promoting your business or organization is networking. You never know who your next customer or client may be, therefore through the Chamber, we offer over 70 networking opportunities each year in order ensure our members have the ability to grow their and expand their business network.

Each Business after Hours and other networking events are hosted by a variety of business owners throughout Sampson County. Last Thursday, we had our first Business after Hours in 2013, hosted by The Ashford Inn in Clinton. Owned and operated by Patty and Mason Tarr, The Ashford Inn is a downtown Bed & Breakfast filled with character and charm.

The Chamber would not be able to offer such premiere networking opportunities without the support of the members and their willingness to host such events. When speaking to Patty and Mason, I asked how hosting a Chamber event benefited their business. Mason stated “The Business after Hours event allows us the opportunity to thank our patrons for helping support us throughout the year. It helps keep our name fresh in peoples’ minds throughout the business community while also reminding current patrons of the types of services we provide and introducing new potential customers to our services.”

Mason continues, “The Business after Hours events allows excellent opportunities for Chamber Members to develop business to business relationships, cultivate new business relationships, and for casual fellowship and brainstorming in a business environment.”

Throughout the year, we will continue to offer a variety of networking events and we encourage each member to take advantage of these opportunities. Take time to grow your network with potential customers and clients. We are looking forward to continuing our mission with economic growth and increasing opportunities for the members of the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce. If we can be of assistance to you, your business, or organization, please visit www.clintonsampsonchamber.org or give us a call at 910-592-6177.