By JENNIFER WHISENANT / Guest Columnist

Business networking (schmoozing!) includes events by which groups of like-minded businesspeople recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities.

The Greater Shelby Chamber is proud of our variety of business networking opportunities that allow you to build new relationships and generate business opportunities. We offer City Focus events, Business After Hours, Social 280, Network 280 and SpeedNetworking. All of these are no cost events designed specifically to promote the host business and offer opportunities for business networking and schmoozing!

With more than 800 square miles to cover, the Greater Shelby Chamber provides members a chance to discover what’s going on around the county. We schedule two City Focus events on the first and third Tuesday morning of each month. While networking is the key to City Focus events, you also get a chance to meet city officials and hear a brief update of developments in that particular area.

Network 280 events are morning meetings hosted by a Greater Shelby Chamber member along the U.S. 280 corridor. The host member is given an opportunity to address attendees about current products and services. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the business leaders along the U.S. 280 corridor.

Business After Hours and Social 280 events are premier networking opportunities offered in a relaxed, late afternoon setting in which to meet and mingle with Chamber members, enjoy refreshments and fellowship while networking.

SpeedNetworking has been voted a member favorite for several years. These quarterly events are fun and fast-paced, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with many new business contacts every time!

Participation is the key in making your membership work for you! If you’re interested in hosting a business networking event, check out the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce online at Shelbychamber.org or call us at 663-4542.

We look forward to schmoozing with you at our next business networking event!

Jennifer Whisenant is president and CEO of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her at jennifer@shelbychamber.org.