PITTSTON — Using the opportunity to allow its members to network with other businesses and other members, the Greater Pittston Chambe of Commerce held its annual post-holiday mixer at the Knights of Columbus hall Thursday evening.
Part of the chamber’s mission is “to enhance the growth and development of business and community” and Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Administrator and Events Coordinator Brandi Bartush thinks the mixer is a fun and casual way to promote that mission, while getting the members together for a night out.
“This is an event we open up to members, non-members, their families and friends, just to have a ‘holiday’ party after everyone’s survived their holidays, ” Bartush said.
Over 60 people registered to attend the mixer sponsored by Southern Airways Express and catered by JustFred Custom Catering of Pittston. According to Chamber Executive Vice President Michelle Mikitish, the Chamber always tries to utilize member businesses for events like this.
“It’s about patronage. We try to patronize member businesses so people can think about using them in the future,” Mikitish said.
The Chamber invited attendees to bring business cards to exchange and also to serve as entry into a raffle for several prizes donated by member businesses, including the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Boden, Creative Printed Specialities and the Greater Pittston YMCA.
Candy Frye, Director of New Business for A. Pickett Construction in Kingston, came to the mixer to make connections.
“Being able to put a face to a name is important,” Frye said. “The Chamber keeps us involved in things we wouldn’t normally know about or do.”
Bill Goldsworthy, Executive Director of The American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, attended the event because he values the relationships he has formed through the Chamber.
“It’s a great opportunity to network and even for us maybe get some new volunteers,” Goldsworthy said.
For more information on the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, including a schedule of upcoming events, visit pittstonchamber.org