More than 30 local businesses were represented at the inaugural "Network Niagara" event held on Wednesday, June 21, at the new Brickyard Brewing Co. in Lewiston.
The event was coordinated by the Niagara County Builders Association, with participation from the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association, the Niagara County Community College Small Business Development Center and the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce.
Representatives of each association were on hand to talk about how they serve their respective business communities and how business owners can take advantage of the resources available in the Niagara Region.
The event was attended by people of various professions, including bankers, consultants, cleaning services staff members, home inspectors, realtors, developers, suppliers, marketing representatives, financial advisors, accountants, entertainment service personnel and attorneys.
Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association President Anthony Restaino provided guests with information on membership and sponsorship opportunities.
NCCC Small Business Development Center Director Lynn Oswald spoke to guests about the tools and resources available to small businesses in the Niagara Region, as well as networking opportunities offered to those who become an SBDC client.
Also, Niagara River Region Chamber President Jennifer Pauly spoke to guests about the ways the chamber serves its business community.
NCBA secretary Kristin Savard, who is also the owner of Advanced Design Group and incoming President of the New York State Builders Association, pointed out that the building industry and its ecosystem is the foundation of a community's economy. She also informed guests about the benefits of any company becoming a member of the association.
Also on hand was Jim Fittante of Fittante Architecture, who is an NCBA board member and lead designer of The Brickyard Brewing Co.
The night included networking opportunities with neighboring business communities. While business was at the forefront of the event, the evening featured food, samples of new brews from The Brickyard Brewing Co., and the opportunity to form new friendships.
