By Lauren Olsen
The Westfield Business Development Group and Westfield Chamber of Commerce hosted their first collaborative meeting to help promote new business relationships in the city at Union Baking Co. on Feb. 19. The 8 a.m. meeting, saw a successful turnout of business professionals and chamber members from in and around the Westfield area.
Curt Whitesell founded WBD out of necessity for his real estate business, WKRP Indy, which specializes in commercial real estate on Ind. 32. He said he was looking for a way to build working relationships in Westfield.
“Nobody is doing anything in Westfield and we need something,” he said. “Our goal is to help spark some interest in young or active professionals to see the value in the already strong Westfield business environment.”
Whitesell teamed up with fellow residents and businessmen, Andy Corman, Rob Garrett and Tim DiGioia, two years ago when they first started the group. The group has grown to 150 members via social media. Meetings take place the third Wednesday of every month at Ameriana Bank, 3333 Ind. 32, and the group welcomes any professionals looking to join and expand their business network.
“Our intention is to connect business owners in Westfield. We want to help grow their business,” Whitesell said.
The WBD has joined forces with what seems to be an organic fit – the Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
“They have a natural audience because of who they are, and we know how to network. We can learn from each other,” Whitesell said. “People in the Chamber have wonderful businesses, why aren’t we promoting them?”
Corman lead the Feb. 19 meeting, which focused on the networking tactic of “strategic partners” and how you can use that strategy to help grow your business.
“It’s all about shrinking your world,” said Corman. “You find out who you need to know, and once your find those key people, you can help each other grow your businesses.”
Organizers said the group is looking to expand into service projects and field trips in the area to continue to promote the growth of Westfield. It also will continue to hold meetings at local businesses as another way to promote them.
For more information visit HYPERLINK “http://www.westfield-chamber.org/” www.westfield-chamber.org, or visit Westfield Business Development Group on Linkedin and Facebook.
