Chamber launches networking group

The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is launching the Sisters Community Business Focus (SCBF). 

The group will allow Sisters Chamber members to get to know other businesses, pursue cooperative advertising and public relations opportunities, and welcome new businesses to Sisters.

SCBF meets every first Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the Sisters Chamber offices, 291 E. Main Ave.

According to chamber officials, networking through the SCBF will help businesses share successes and challenges and receive feedback from their peers, while the cooperative advertising will allow local businesses to reach a larger customer base.

"In getting to know the businesses in the community, I was hearing that it was difficult for some businesses to make an after-hours gathering" said Cherie Ferguson, Executive Director for the Sisters Chamber of Commerce. "In addition, while people appreciated the socials we hold monthly, I was hearing that some businesses wanted a morning networking meeting."

As part of a recent tour of businesses, Ferguson met with Pat Molesworth, Owner of Village Interiors. Molesworth offered her help in launching such a group and, ultimately, signed up as co-chair for Sisters Community Business Focus.

"We need a way for businesses to reconnect in the community, share concerns, find solutions, and just get to know the other businesses," said Molesworth.

A variety of business owners and staff showed up at the two initial meetings where the group determined its name, purpose and chairpersons.

"We want to welcome all chamber member businesses to participate; it's not just for retailers," said Marcea DeGregorio, manager of South Valley Bank & Trust and co-chair for the Sisters Community Focus Group. "We feel there is a real benefit in knowing what Sisters businesses have to offer, whe-ther it is services or products."

The next meeting will be Wednesday, August 6.

For more information contact Ferguson at 549-0251.