First business networking event set for Sept. 26

A young, local business owner has taken it upon herself to invite other businesses to join in what Elizabeth Larson calls the “Last Friday Business Network,” an event set for the last Friday of each month. The first event will be at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 26 at Draft Picks.

Larson, 26, who co-owns Advanced Landscape Maintenance with partner Rodolfo Ruiz, said she has been taking a course on how to take any business to the next level.

“I’m trying to get myself out there, both in my business and personally as well.”

Larson said she is aware the Chamber of Commerce holds business functions but wants her event “to be more interactive.”

“I plan for the business owners to play games where they will get to know each other. “There will be time for a meet and greet before the first game starts.”

Larson is renting the room and providing free pizza, wings and sodas out of her own pocket.

“To me, the expense is minimal compared to the advantage of building networking relationships.”

Larson is also drawing for door prizes and inviting a guest speaker. “I want the speaker to be someone who can contribute tools to help everyone expand their businesses, not just me.”

She said the speaker will have to be open to a question and answer session after the presentation.

The second game of the evening will be teams building a giraffe. “We’ll divide into two teams and use toilet paper and paper towel tubes to build a giraffe.”

She said the game will help bring the participants closer together and teach them how to work together. It is a timed contest with a winner and a prize.

Larson said she intends to host the event at different businesses each month. “It may be another restaurant or some other type of business,” she said.

Her response on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/events/578532762258859 has been positive and she is excited to get the first event underway.

“I know this is Fall Festival weekend,” Larson said. “But I don’t expect the same people to come each time the event is held anyway. The next time there may be new business owners joining us and others may have already scheduled something else they need to attend. I know a lot of business owners have boots at Fall Festival.”

There is no club to join and no membership dues. The food and entertaining games are free and designed to assist everyone grow their business.

Larson said she would like to get an R.S.V.P. from those planning to attend so she will have enough food and supplies for the games. Call her at 513-0577 to confirm.