Learn why this creative Lents Grown Business Association event at KingPins showed that the organization is really rolling along …
As it turns out, this event’s sponsor, KingPins Family Entertainment Center in the Lents neighborhood, was the perfect spot for an inaugural social networking event for the Lents Grown Business Association.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because it was being formed just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been a challenge for the Lents Grown Business Association (LGBA) to grow and thrive, simply because “in person” meetings just weren’t possible until recently.
That changed on Tuesday evening, April 26, when the LGBA hosted an evening business mixer at the KingPins Family Entertainment Center on SE 92nd Avenue.
A sizable group gathered in the KingPins TapHouse Bar & Grill, where they competed at bowling and downed wings and pizza.
Beers, pizza, bowling, and making new friends in the business community all come together at this business mixer.
Lents Grown’s President, Nick Lee, smiles as rolls his bowling ball.
“I am the president of the Lents Grown Business Association and also the owner of Studio Sign Company located right here in Lents, serving Portland since 1963,” said Lents Grown Business Association President Nick Lee, of Studio Sign Company.
“We’ve serving the greater Portland area from right here, in Lents, since 1963!
“We thought this would be a good time to get together with all the businesses in our neighborhood,” Lee told East Portland News. “Many of the people here are already members; and it’s also good to see those who have not yet joined with us. Here, they are meeting us, and learning how this growing business is helping our community – and can help their businesses be more successful.”
Caught taking a selfie are guests Joel Rebik and Daniela Lais, both with Lents bike shop NW Pro Gear.
The raucous sounds of the bowling alley at times drowned out conversations among those there, but no one seemed to mind. It appeared that many new acquaintances were being made, and everyone was having a good time.
“A strong a Business Association makes a better community,” observed Lee. “Not only for the business owners, but for the people who live in the neighborhood; because, when the businesses are doing well, they can give back to their neighborhood and make everything better for everyone.”
Members and guests alike enjoy how well this event is produced.
Bowling-themed name tags, bowling pin cookie party favors, colorful team names – and clever references to the motion picture “The Big Lebowski” – showed guests that this mixer was well-planned.
Although he’s “super busy” running his business and taking care of his family, Lee told why he still takes time to support the LGBA. “I’m doing this because I want to set an example to encourage other businesspeople to work together for our mutual benefit, and that of our residents.
“In Portland, even though Lents is often overlooked, we are taking care of ourselves,. Hopeful this will inspire the rest of the city, when they see what we are doing.”
Steve’s Imports owner John Spinnett makes the acquaintance of Taylor Melvin from The ZED (Zoiglhaus).
Learn more about the Lents Grown Business Association: CLICK HERE to visit their website, and to stay in touch by signing up for email newsletters
© 2022 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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