2010

August
   17, Tuesday, Summer Networking Social – open to members AND prospects (details below)

   18, Wednesday, WBA at Russell's Farmer's Market... need volunteers (see below)

WBA Summer Social Hour!

Join us on Tuesday, August 17th at the Dudley Chateau for drinks and other refreshments.  Here’s your chance to mix and mingle with other WBA members and friends before the Fall begins!  It is not a formal event, so it is open to both members and non-members. This is a chance to invite prospective members or even bring your spouse!

Why come?

1. Catch up on what everyone has been doing this summer;
2. Share your thoughts on whether the economy is improving, locally or otherwise;
3. Come see the Chat and sample their food and drink -- it's actually a great place for a casual or low key business lunch!
4. Brainstorm with other members about possible WBA events and programs for the coming year;
5. Meet Mandy Phillips who, with her husband Ken, now runs the Chateau;
6. Just have a cold one at the end of a day at the office.

The Chateau will be providing some appetizers for us and you can always order something else, even stay for dinner.

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 17th, 4:30-7:30 PM
Location: The Dudley Chateau
20 Crest Road (via Dudley Road off Route 27), overlooking Dudley Pond
Hosts: Mandy and Ken Phillips
RSVP:  Please reply to Michael Abend (mabend@extended-family.net) to let us know if you are thinking of coming so we have an idea of how many people to expect. 

August Farmers Market

Russell’s Summer Farmers Market
Wednesday August 18th,
Noon to 5 pm

The WBA has a table at Russell’s for two reasons: To promote the WBA itself and to promote YOUR business. Shoppers at farmers’ markets are more conscientious than the average consumer about buying local and supporting area producers. So this is an audience that is inclined to use a local business already. But unless they know about you they can’t buy from you or rely on you for services. There are plenty of non-local businesses that infiltrate local markets via the internet or yellow pages and with their high profile it is hard to get a consumer’s attention.  These outside businesses are NOT going to be at the farmer’s market – but you will! And shoppers are not looking for services while they are at the market, so their guard is down, so to speak, and you can more easily engage them in conversation and make a positive impression.

SIGN UP - SIGN UP - SIGN UP: We need at least 10 members to represent the WBA – two people covering each of the five hours. Bring along a small chotchke with your logo, some handouts of promotional materials, develop a coupon for a modest complimentary service, maybe a small sign. This is a chance to see how something new might appeal to consumers in a low-risk setting. And besides, sitting under an awning – perhaps nibbling on fresh organic berries or some fresh bread – while also having a pleasant conversation with a fellow WBA member is not a bad way to spend a little time on a summer day!  Then buy some vegetables for dinner on your way out!  

This is a great, easy way to become involved with the WBA and meet a couple of other members in a low key way.  It is also a chance to reach out to the community in a different way.

Feel free to sign up for an hour with another specific WBA member. Many of those who sign up first are often able to adjust their scheduled time if it means someone new can have a chance to be there.  If you cannot make it next week feel free to reserve a spot now for August 18, September 15, or October 13.  To sign up, email Lisa Shapiro at lshapiro@help4computers.com  or call (508-380-4666).