'Wicked Wednesdays' is new way for business networking

Date: 3/30/2012

March 28, 2012

By Lori Szepelak

lori@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — "Wicked Wednesdays" is the latest endeavor of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce that offers an informal networking opportunity for local businesses.

As a member of the chamber's membership committee, Kelly Pignatare, assistant vice president and small business sales manager at Westfield Bank, was on hand to greet those attending the inaugural event at the bank on Park Street.

"We sought to create a less formal event that would be relaxed," Pignatare said during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Close to 50 businesspersons turned out for the two-hour event which was hosted by Westfield Bank, complete with a variety of hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

Upcoming "Wicked Wednesdays" from 5 to 7 p.m. include April 4, Nora's Restaurant, Southwick; May 2, Holiday Inn, Enfield, Conn., and June 6, Hampton Inn, West Springfield. The gatherings are free for chamber members and $10 for nonmembers. Reservations are requested to attend events.

Debra Boronski, president of the Massachusetts Chamber of Business & Industry and manager of the West of the River Chamber, noted that one of the goals for "Wicked Wednesdays" is to grow membership as well as to help businesses survive and thrive.

"We're helping to create commerce for businesses," Boronski said.

"Wicked Wednesdays" is among a new line-up of events for the business community as well as career-minded students, according to Pignatare. In February, the chamber joined Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen and Agawam School Superintendent William Sapelli for the annual 8th Grade Career Day. Mark Tansey of Partners Restaurant was the keynote speaker, which kicked off a day of informational sessions for students by employees and professionals representing a variety of businesses and industries.

Coming up on June 7, the chamber will host its annual breakfast meeting at Chez Josef in Agawam, sponsored by Development Associates of Agawam. Seth Mattison of BridgeWorks will be the guest speaker, explaining how businesses can successfully bridge the generational gaps they face in their workforce.

For more information on all chamber events, visit www.ourwrc.com or contact via email to westoftheriverchamber@gmail.com.

The West of the River Chamber of Commerce provides legislative advocacy, marketing and sponsorship opportunities, networking, educational and information programs for businesses in Agawam and West Springfield. Recently, the chamber became affiliated with the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to enhance leadership and support services.