Argus hosts Chamber's first 'Coffee Connect'

Argus Observer Publisher John Dillon (center right) visits with Ontario Chamber of Commerce members at the first "Chamber Coffee Connect" event, sponsored by the Argus Observer.

The Argus Observer in Ontario, OR, helped the Ontario Chamber of Commerce kick off its new Chamber Coffee Connect at the newspaper in September.

Argus Publisher John Dillon and Ontario Chamber of Commerce CEO John Breidenbach teamed up to bring the initial event to the lobby of the Argus Observer. In all, about 25 people turned out for the event that began at 7 a.m.

Breidenbach explained that the Coffee Connect was started to bring businesses together that couldnt normally attend the weekly Chamber of Commerce luncheons. He said it was the ability to share business stories and serve as a business building opportunity.

"Thats a fancy way of saying networking," Breidenbach said.

Members of the chamber and nonmembers were invited to the event.

At the Argus, coffee was served from a local business along with homemade muffins. Dillon said he felt the first event of its kind was a success.

"We had a lot of people show up," he said. "We actually ran out of coffee and had to make more."

Breidenbach said most of those who attended the early-morning event were those who did not attend the luncheon.

"I was very pleased for the first one," Breidenbach said. "We were able to meet the staff and take a tour of the Argus."

Breidenbach said the event will be held every second Tuesday of the month. At the conclusion of the Chamber Coffee Connect, businesses attending put a card in a basket and one is drawn out to determine which business will sponsor the next event.

"The Argus did a great job of hosting," Breidenbach said. "We had good success at this one and were looking forward to more."