The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
‘Morning Brew’ offers free networking
On Wednesday mornings at the Great Lakes Mall “Morning Brew” isn’t just about coffee.
It’s also a free event welcoming businesses, individuals and organizations to network, share information and get the word out about their products and services.
Initiated by Sherri Falkenberg of Lake Events and Paula Price of 100 Youth That Care, Morning Brew percolates at 10 a.m. weekly in the mall’s food court.
On a snowy Jan. 20 about two dozen people gathered to give short presentations about their business or service followed by mingling and chatting about ways in which connections might prove to be beneficial.
“I always say ‘we grow by growing each other’ and we can all help each other become more successful… business, nonprofits, and civically minded individuals all working together make a stronger community,” Falkenberg said.
Among those present was Ralph Buongiovanni, owner of Revolution Pizza in Mentor and Willowick.
Recognizing the advantage of businesses coming together he said that he was happy to attend and reach out to others “because everyone needs a lot of help right about now.”
Falkenberg noted that the current pandemic has taken its toll on many establishments.
“Even with my business the pandemic shut everyone down,” she said. “It’s almost like starting back over again. Networking is more important than it has ever been.”
Kathi Price of Kiki’s Custom Gift Baskets in Mentor expressed her appreciation for the chance to meet and converse with other local entrepreneurs.
“It’s phenomenal. I have my Facebook and Instagram pages but through networking here it grows,” she said. “Partnering with other businesses is what I love to do.”
Paula Price noted that networking is especially important for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations which often lack extra dollars for television or large print ads.
“We still have kids and mortgages. (Morning Brew) is a platform to help each other… local people stepping up in the time of need,” she said. “We don’t want to see each other go out of business.”
Open to Lake County and surrounding area business and organization participants are welcome to post informational material on Facebook pages including morning brew networking and 100 youth that care.
Falkenberg encouraged others to take advantage of the event and said “even people who have never networked before can feel comfortable attending and doing so.”
“Networking is a way of building relationships,” she added. “When people get to meet you in person and trust you it builds bonds that last a lifetime. It’s another form of advertising.
“You never know who knows who. Your net worth grows and expands by word-of-mouth.”
Among other representatives taking part in the Jan. 20 event were Don Branford of PIP Printing and Marketing Services; Gary Dell of Photo Design Unlimited; Patrick Dulzer of Western & Southern Life; Jessica Drager of Young Entrepreneur Institute; Lisa Ferrara of Your Next Move Dance Studio; Jim Lockwood of Arbonne; Alexander Miller of Rustic Recreations; Mike Rouhier of Rouhier Advertising Specialties; Thomas Poje of whole food supplements; Cait Shick of Ladysmith Forge; Tracey Schveder of Health Plan Superstore; Scott Sofer of Bickford Flavors; David Spall of Lake Innovative Products; and Marlene Wilson of Nikken and Norwex.