Business card exchange offers networking opportunities

CORTEZ – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce held its latest business card exchange last week at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. The exchange is a great way for Chamber members and future members to meet and network with other business owners and managers in a fun, relaxed setting. Chamber members describe it as an after-hours, meet and greet social event.

Business card exchange offers networking opportunities
AMI Chamber members mingle at Slicker’s Eatery during the recent business card exchange. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“They’re fun events for the members, they all get an opportunity to get together and talk to each other and exchange stories. It’s called the business card exchange, but you really don’t see as much of that anymore. It’s grown into an event where members are now developing personal relationships,” said Terri Kinder, president of the AMI Chamber. 

Mindful of COVID-19, this exchange was limited to 40 attendees since it was being held indoors at Slicker’s, and it was sold out far in advance of the actual event. As more people are vaccinated and restrictions continue to be lifted, future events will likely see more in attendance, but those who attended were very pleased to be able to network in any capacity after a year of quarantine and in-person meeting restrictions. 

“The Chamber has always been great to me; I’m a firm believer in social networking, and I’m a firm believer in charity and giving back. It’s a win-win situation for me to be a member of the Chamber because they do a lot of charity too. It was just a natural fit for them to have this event here,” said Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, who hosted the event. 

If you are interested in attending a future business card exchange, or any event, non-members are welcome to purchase tickets. There is a limit of one event attendance for non-members, and you can get information by calling the Chamber at 941-778-1541 or visiting their website.

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