ESCANABA — According to indeed.com, networking is the act of maintaining a personal and professional contact list that you can use to help further your success in business. Your network is made up of the people you interact with, all of whom could potentially offer you valuable professional assistance or guidance. To create and maintain a beneficial network, you must intentionally seek out opportunities to grow and expand your network.

At the Chamber we know how important networking is for the success of our members and that is why we are very much looking forward to the return of one such opportunity – Business After Hours. After more than a year long hiatus, the popular monthly event will return Wednesday, April 28 at the Escanaba Country Club. Business After Hours provides a way to showcase local businesses and provide a platform for community engagement. This social event provides an opportunity to make valuable business contacts, as well as gain information important to your business.

In addition to increased recognition and exposure for your business, you will benefit by networking with Chamber members and meet those who may be a candidate for your services or products. This also provides you with the opportunity to establish or maintain an identity in the community with people you may not ordinarily meet.

The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include door prizes and food courtesy of Escanaba Country Club. COVID protocols will be in place.

Aside from the monthly networking opportunity, the Chamber facilitates numerous events sprinkled throughout the year to not only optimize your networking, but also keep annual dues manageable for your business. Another upcoming event to invigorate your networking is the Annual Chamber Golf Classic presented by Engineered Machined Products, which will be held at the Highland Golf Club on June 3, 2021.

A day on the course allows for laughs to be shared and ideas to be exchanged. You don’t have to be a golf expert to enjoy this four-person scramble tournament. The day will be spent enjoying the great outdoors with unmatchable hospitality and fun twists to a classic game. The entertainment continues after the round of golf with dinner and an award ceremony. If you are interested in joining us on the links, visit DeltaMI.org or give us a call at 906-786-2192.

It is important to note that networking and golf courses go hand in hand and we are so fortunate to have multiple member golf courses who step up to help follow members step out and increase their networking capabilities.

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Sheila Krueger is associate director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce