Never Eat Alone: Chamber Encourages Members to Break Bread Together

At 11:30 a.m. every Monday, the conference table at the fills with local businesspeople. The members who gather there aren't attending a formal meeting, though. Instead, they're toting lunches from , and other local eateries with the intention to "."

The lunches, based on the Keith Ferrazzi book of the same name, have been staged weekly since October of 2010, and require a chamber membership to participate.

Ferrazzi’s book (Crown Press, Feb. 2005, 320 pages, $26) is all about making connections “one relationship at a time.” He forgoes the usual methods of networking in favor of a more casual, down-to-earth approach.

One of his principles is to “never eat alone” or always be visible. According to Ferrazzi, “Putting time and energy into relationship building should be a lifestyle constant.” In his blog, Ferrazzi discusses coming up with “relationship rituals,” such as weekly dinners, scheduled "check-ins" with colleagues and status updates.

After reading the book, Pamela McConeghy, CEO of the , came up with the idea of a weekly "Never Eat Alone" lunch.

“My ultimate goal is to connect members so that they can build relationships which will enhance their businesses," McConeghy said. "Never Eat Alone Mondays are informal gatherings where people engage in casual conversations while breaking bread.”

Dan Coleman, owner of Perfect Maintenance Cleaning Services was one of the attendees one recent Monday.

“I like this much better than other networking groups," Coleman said when asked what drew him to the lunches.  "It’s a lot more casual," he said.

James Lewis, of Kokopelli Financial, added,  “You gotta get out there – you have to mingle, have to mix.”

Lunch topics ranged from marketing ideas to referral groups, with members talking about how they can work together to help promote each other.

Dawn Mifsud of Action Associates was one of three new members present at the chamber lunch along with Kim Galbraith, of 2 Moms & a Mop and Chuck Dodge of Making The Connection.

Other attendees of Monday’s lunch included Deanna Brzuchowski of Cobb-Hall Insurance; Michael Eaton, an independent utility broker; Joanne Giardini-Russell of NuStar Insurance Agencies, Inc.; Karla Griscom of LaFontaine Dealerships; Marianne McCreary of Partners Real Estate Professionals and McConeghy herself.

“When available I join the members that attend the luncheons. I have enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships that are prospering,” said McConeghy.

According to Lewis and Brzuchowski, Monday’s lunch was successful with 11 attendees.

“We come about every Monday – it’s pretty fun,” said Giardini-Russell of NuStar.

Galbraith, from 2 Moms & A Mop, is trying to grow her commercial sector. “It is good to get in a small group like this and develop good relationships.”

The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce averages around 1,000 members, and is one of the largest chambers in the state of Michigan, according to Wendy Busik, manager of finance. 

Membership starts at $100 per year for retirees and upwards, depending on the number of employees or the type of organization. A small company with 10 employees or less would pay $265 per year. There is also a monthly payment plan.

According to Busik the  lunches have worked out well and will continue.  "Everyone seems to enjoy them — they have a blast getting to know one another at the very least," she said.

McConeghy said, “As far as I know, this may be a one-of-a-kind for chambers. In general chambers of commerce are designed to promote and enhance business, while connecting members with members and the community. Never Eat Alone Mondays are a unique method in fulfilling our mission to connect and build relationships.”

McConeghy is enthusiastic about the new Monday lunches at the Chamber.

“We encourage members of the Chamber, or those interested in learning more about the Chamber and its networking opportunities, to attend a Never Eat Alone Monday,” said McConeghy. “The Chamber has a very welcoming atmosphere. I’m sure all guests would feel very welcome!”