Speed Networking: Where Businesses Find Their Match

Representatives of 49 area businesses used their two-minute elevator pitches in rapid fire succession on Wednesday night, sharing information with six other people at their table before a bell rang, signifying it was time to move on to another table and do it all over again.

Harriette Trevino, past president of The Power Network of the Monroe and Newtown Chambers of Commerce, said there were seven tables with a rotation done according to a formula, so nobody ever makes sits with the same group twice.

The fourth annual Speed Networking event was held at Victorinox Swiss Army, 7 Victoria Drive in Monroe. Modeled after speed dating, it was organized by The Power Network and sponsored by Charter Business.

Newtown Chamber of Commerce President Tim Haas spoke of the importance of communicating with other businesspeople and potential customers in person.

"You never know how those business relationships will come together and that's how businesses are made, when it's done face-to-face — particularly with small businesses," Haas said.

Steve Hodson of Hodson Realty in Trumbull had participated in the event before.

"It's a great opportunity to meet a lot of people who you may be able to connect with on a business level or a personal level," he said.

Ileana Kotulich of Monroe, an independent sales director for Mary Kay, said, "The reason I participate in speed networking is making connections and just getting my name out there as well."