Relationship marketing has become of the key method to generate and sustain business. The chamber offers many direct member to member networking opportunities.

• Business After Five (BAF)
• Networking Referral Groups
• Member to Member (M2M) Special Offers Program
• New Member Welcome Table
• Mentor Program
• Young Professionals

Business After Five Program

Business After Five (BAF) is a monthly (which is held the 3rd Wednesday every month from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m.) Chamber event that provides an opportunity for Chamber Members to network with a wide variety of business people in an informal atmosphere. Please click here to see where the next Business After Five will be!

These events have become one of the Chamber's most popular networking events, allowing members to meet, exchange ideas, talk business in a relaxed and informal setting and make important long-lasting bonds, while giving the host business an opportunity to show off their workplace and gain invaluable exposure.

Interested in hosting a Business After Five program? Though attendance is open to both Chamber members, guests and non-members, those wanting to host a Business After Five program must be Chamber members in good standing.

Networking Referral Groups

Groups offer Chamber members a chance to build a "team" of advocates for their business by providing a long-term networking opportunity. Your membership in NRG gives you a chance to build your personal network of business relationships through your active participation.

This is about making new business contacts, identifying potential new customers, locating new or alternate supply sources, and an opportunity to meet fellow members in an informal, relaxed setting.

Each group consists of a representative from 20-30 non-competing businesses, making each of your fellow group members a potential business partner rather than a competitor. Each group elects a chairperson, co-chair and greeter, who run the meetings and make sure conflicts are avoided. A typical meeting will include brief presentations from group members on their business, or on referrals or business dealings with other members of the group.

The Chamber currently has 3 groups meeting on a bi-weekly basis:

• NRG1 (eNeRGy) meets every other Thursay at 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at Best Western Guildwood Inn - Coffee is served.
• NRG2 (BNG) meets every other Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at Sarnia Banquet & Conference Centre - Coffee is served.
• YPNRG is open to anyone 19 - 39 yrs of age. They meet every other Monday at 5:00 p.m. at Stokes Bay Grill and Bar.

Each group currently has openings available in specific business classifications. Please call (519) 336-2400 for more information, Click on links to see the application form and the policy manual.

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals are a committee of the Chamber ... a collective of like-minded 19-39's who believe that by collaborating and sharing knowledge, they can help foster the growth of themselves and Sarnia-Lambton...and to have a little fun while they're at it! A professional is someone who represents themselves in an ethical and courteous manner in his or her workplace. Join a growing organization that is making a difference in your community and developing Sarnia-Lambton's future leaders.
The YP's meet about eight times per year through events such as seminars with keynote speakers, murder mysteries, summer BBQ, mentoring opportunities, networking referral group and much more.

The Young Professionals Networking Referral Group is geared to young entrepreneurs, professionals and senior college students. It is designed to raise the profile of young professionals and plug them into local business networks. Please join us if you are under the age of 40, running a business or looking for organizational and personal development. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet other young business leaders from the Sarnia Lambton community to share ideas, get to know each other, help each other out and have some fun. The meetings are every other Monday at 5:00 p.m. at Stokes Bay Grill and Bar.

New Member Welcome Table - Business After Five

In the first 90 days of membership new members have the opportunity to share an Exhibit table at a Business After 5 with other new Chamber Members. This is included in the membership fee and is a great opportunity to expose your Business Services to other Chamber Members. Companies take the opportunity to hand out business cards and flyers outlining their services. New members that have taken advantage of this program have found it extremely helpful in getting to know other members..