Skip to content

Board of Trade business mixers provide networking opportunities

Several of Stettler's business community braved snowy streets and highways to attend the Stettler Board of Trade's business mixer...
18849stettler161123-STI-BOTMixer_2
Marci Heck

Several of Stettler's business community braved snowy streets and highways to attend the Stettler Board of Trade's business mixer at Ember Graphics on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The goal of the mixer was to give business owners, managers and key employees a chance to meet face-to-face, get to know each other, and network, the Board of Trade's Teela Lynn, who organized the night, explained.

Normally, the mixers are held at the board's office, but this time it was held at Ember Graphics, a decision made by the board to hopefully draw in more community businesspeople.

"Ember Graphics had expressed interest in hosting an event for us, and we thought the opportunity to have the (mixer) downtown may create a draw for owners and managers who were downtown already," Lynn explained.

She said the change appeared to be successful, as the number of people at the event – about 35 – was nearly double the draw of mixers at the board's office, she said.

"We saw quite a few new faces at the event," Lynn said. "(There were) business owners who haven't attended our previous events, but really enjoyed themselves and look forward to the next mixer."

Ron McIntosh, owner of Ember Graphics, said the night exceeded his expectations in every way.

"It went great," he said.

The benefits of business mixer events cannot be understated, McIntosh added, as the social opportunity allows the community's business owners get to know each other.

"I think it's really great when business owners have a chance to get together socially," he said. "It increases the business we do with each other, which benefits the community."

McIntosh toured people through the facilities at Ember Graphics, located on Main Street in the old video rental store. There, the business does print work, everything from small business cards to large posters and vehicle decals, to wood and glass engraving and more.

"Most people don't know what we do or what we have here, so this was an excellent opportunity," he said.

The event was catered by The Otherside, who shared some of its new menu with guests, as well as wine tasting from local winery and vineyard Fireside Winery and Market Garden, owned by Marci and Larry Heck.

Not only do the mixers give business owners, managers and key employees a chance to get to know each other, they also have a chance to gather together and discuss business matters that affect each other.

"At one point, we had five retail owners huddled in a corner talking about online and social media marketing," Lynn said. "That's exactly the type of networking we're hoping to encourage."

The next mixer is planned for the new year, and will take place at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 at G2 Financial Solutions, next to the Jewel Theatre.

"We want to extend an invitation to all of our local managers and owners to attend," Lynn said. RSVPs are necessary and can be made by contacting the Board of Trade office.