‘Speed Networking’ tour lands in Montavilla

See why the East Portland Chamber of Commerce is hosting ‘Speed Networking’ sessions in outer East Portland locations for business folks; it’s similar to ‘Speed Dating’ for singles …

In Montavilla’s “Portland Public Plaza” along SE 79th Street, businesspeople connected with three outer East Portland business associations meet for a session of “Speed Networking”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Years ago, groups helping single people find mates started “speed dating” parties, where individuals would introduce themselves to several people, one at time, for a brief public encounter.

Taking this concept and adapting it for the business community, the East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) has been hosting “Speed Networking” across outer East Portland this year – landing in Montavilla on July 25th.

EPCC Executive Administrator Jocelyn Jester pauses for a photo with Chamber Ambassador Codie Jennison, Northwest Enforcement, Inc.

“This evening, we’re helping connect business owners and managers with other business owners,” explained EPCC Executive Administrator Jocelyn Jester.

“This is a good opportunity for people to know each other, rapidly! Here, this evening, we have members from the EPCC, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA), and the 82nd Avenue Business Association,” she told East Portland News.

Getting better acquainted, here are Sam Adams, candidate for Multnomah County Commissioner District 2 – Jacob Loeb of Montavilla News, who is President of the 82nd Avenue Business Association.

Asked why the EPCC began producing these events, Jester revealed, “One of our Board Members expressed an interest in doing ‘speed networking’. Then we had an idea to partner with different Neighborhood Business District staff.

“So, this is the third such event we’ve held; but the first one involving business districts,” Jester went on. “Each quarter we’ll be doing a different speed networking event with a different business district.”

Karen Kane, founder of Insurance Solutions NW, and Business Operations Consultant India Nolen-Tuleja, introduce themselves.

The Montavilla “Portland Public Plaza”, just north of SE Stark Street, worked out well as a venue, Jester remarked, because the METBA was enthusiastic about co-hosting this. “And they have this nice outdoor community space we could use, as well.”

This session of the EPCC “Speed Networking” is underway.

>> Find out more about the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, and their activities by visiting their official website: CLICK HERE.

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