Politicians and Business Owners Connect at Echoqua

Sandy Weinger believes it's not enough to network anymore. 

"For years, it was all about networking parties," Weinger said. "But everybody in a network already knows each other. You have to be a connector."

In his effort to connect people, Weinger, a longtime Springfield resident and a regular at Township Committee meetings, has organized connecting events. His most recent, held on Sept. 20 at Echoqua in Echo Plaza off Mountain ave., was the fourth connecting event he had put on. 

A sizable group gathered at the back of the restaurant to enjoy food provided by Echoqua and wine from Stew Leonard's.

The Democratic candidates for Township Committee, David Amlen and Richard Huber attended, along with former Committee member and current township Democratic Party chair David Barnett and prominent town Democrats like Ruth Schwartz. 

They were joined by local business owners and representatives, including State Farm insurance representative Mike Scalera, a veteran of organizing business get-togethers. 

Editor's note: we originally identified Mr. Scalera as an All State representative. He in fact works for State Farm. We regret the error.