Chamber is a great place for newcomers

This week at the Greater Wasilla Chamber lunch meeting I had the privilege to be a greeter at the door. As a board member, I get to help with the weekly lunch meetings. As familiar faces entered, I was able to greet them by name and welcome them to the meeting. With unfamiliar or new faces I was able to make introductions and reflect on when my membership in the chamber began a little over 3 year ago.

Growing up in Fairbanks and moving to the Valley was a welcomed transition, but left me without contacts or a network to lean on for my Accounting Business. One of the first places I started expanding my clientele and familiarizing myself with the area was the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce weekly lunch meeting. I am not one who is comfortable meeting strangers in unfamiliar circumstances, but I knew if I was going to grow my business this was the best place to start.

To my surprise, as I walked into the lunch meeting, I was cordially greeted and instructed on how things work and where to go. I found an empty table to sit at, and soon was surrounded by other community and business members, relieving me from a lonely spot.

From there I met many others. I joined on as a chamber board member to stretch me personally and become part of the community. It has been a rich experience working with other members. I have been able to participate with parades, fireworks, community gatherings and help in other local non-profits.

It would be amiss to neglect to say that is has helped my business grow considerably, but more than that, I have friends in a place that was full of strangers. It is by the word-of-mouth my clientele has grown and I thank those who I have met at the chamber for helping me.

So, next Tuesday, at the chamber lunch, say hi to a stranger and come say hi to me as well. We look forward to seeing you.

Talk to you later,

Court Griffin