ROCKINGHAM – Dozens of local business leaders joined together Thursday night as they gathered to partake in this month’s Connections After 5 event.
Hosted by the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with member business, Discovery Place Kids, this most recent installment of the Connections event series certainly piqued the curiosity of many and encouraged all to embrace their inner child, at least for a little while.
The evening’s festivities began promptly at 5:30 as nearly 75 attendees arrived to the downtown museum and enjoyed a period of networking and play throughout the facility’s eye popping and curiosity causing exhibits. After working up an appetite or a thirst, attendees were also welcomed to enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres from Pattan’s Downtown Grill, beer from Southern Pines Brewing Company, and Prosecco served with an ice cold popsicle twist.
Following a period of spirited networking, Chamber President, Emily Tucker, took to the mic to welcome the crowd and introduce Board Chairman, Ken Hartley.
“What a great night to be here in Richmond County, and to be here in Rockingham,” Hartley began. “It’s always an honor to be here, and we appreciate all of you members for being here.”
Hartley continued his speech by offering uplifting updates from the Board regarding the Chamber community’s actions and progress towards fulfilling this year’s motto “connect, grow, and promote,” focusing specifically on the involvement of and feedback from the organization’s members.
In reference to an anonymous feedback survey distributed to attendees upon their arrival, Hartley concluded his speech by stating, “We need your comments. If you want to see the chamber fulfill your expectations, if you want to see the county continue to grow and improve, we need to know from you what you expect and what suggestions you have.”
Tucker returned to the stand once more to reiterate Hartley’s requests for feedback and to promote several upcoming Chamber affiliated events. Although numerous, some events highlighted by Tucker included the next installment of their “Let’s Do Lunch” event series to be held on August 3rd at Fatz, a “Lunch and Learn” seminar on social media to be held on August 15th at the Cole Auditorium, and a bowling tournament to benefit the Habitat for Humanity Women’s build scheduled to for July 23rd at Striker’s Bowling Center.
Rounding out the night’s speeches was Katie Rohleder of Discovery Place Kids, who awarded door prizes and expressed gratitude to all attendees and event organizers on behalf of her and her staff.
“We love being in downtown Rockingham,” shared Rohleder. “Our neighbors are wonderful, our partners are wonderful, we have a great time here.”
The conclusion of the event was certainly a testament to Rohleder’s remarks, as attendees were once more provided the opportunity to mingle with one another, make new connections, become engaged in the museum’s exhibits, and even bust a move on the dance floor.
To learn more about how you can become a part of future Connections After Five events, contact the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce at (910) 895 – 9058 or online at www.richmondcountychamber.com.
