POWNAL — A new business support group called the Pownal Business Network will hold its first meeting Wednesday and simultaneously launch a network website.
Organizers say the initiative grew out of discussions among members of an economic development task force created as part of the Empower Pownal program.
Business owners, independent contractors and others are invited to the networking gathering from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Pownal American Legion Post 90.
“This is the first event we’ve coordinated,” said Jenny Dewar, owner of Karin’s Place: A Retreat. “We’re trying to establish a networking group for the town of Pownal.”
She said the focus will be on helping business owners, farmers and food producers, as well as those with a home internet-based enterprise, with marketing or improving their businesses.
“It will be like a little mini-chamber,” she said. “We want to be supportive of each other and give each other feedback.”
Richard Smith, plant manager of TAM Recycling in Pownal, said it will be a gathering of business owners, independent contractors and interested residents. “We want to get together and help promote businesses in Pownal and create jobs,” Smith said.
In addition, Dewar is designing and will maintain a website for the group as a place to share information and allow links to local businesses’ pages. She’ll also create basic web pages for local business if needed.
The group hopes to establish a listing of all the businesses in Pownal, she said, and to possibly create a location map to help promote the town and the businesses.
“At this point, no one knows how many businesses and contractors there are in Pownal,” she said.
Business owners are invited to bring marketing or business materials to the meeting Wednesday to display and distribute.
Information on local and state resources for starting or growing a business will be available from the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lightning Jar collaboration and the Vermont Small Business Development Center.
Donations will be accepted at the door to cover the cost of the appetizers being served and further networking opportunities, Dewar said.
According to a news release announcing the networking group, it grew from “discussion about current Pownal businesses and independent contractors, including but not limited to farmers, plumbers, electricians, food producers, hospitality and home-based internet operations. Task force members decided that a networking opportunity would be welcome in the Pownal community.”
The initial gathering “is an opportunity for people to meet neighbors, learn about other local businesses, compare strategies and marketing ideas, and explore possibilities for new business and growth,” the release stated.
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