Coffee & Business Networking Combine at Barista’s.

“Coffee is a drink that brings people together” says Mark Becker, who owns Barista’s Coffee House in Galloway, along with his wife Debbie. Together with this author, Mark will be co-hosting the new monthly networking event “First Thursday’s Coffee Casual Business Networking Mixer”.

The free mixer, which is to be held every first Thursday of the month, is designed to bring business owners and professionals together in a casual setting to discuss marketing, sales, service and promotional opportunities that they might be able to share.

The time of the event, 5-8 p.m., makes it convenient for those leaving work at that time to attend. The mixer is not a structured meeting which affords attendees the opportunity to pop in for as long as they wish, at whichever time is convenient for them.

“Our coffee house is in an ideal location to host a networking mixer. We are in the middle of Jimmie Leeds Rd., which in recent years has become the epicenter of commerce for Galloway.” says Becker.

Located in the Sunrise Plaza shopping center across from AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and a rock's throw from Stockton College, Becker believes this will be the “must go” business networking event in the Galloway area.

The first mixer will be held tomorrow, May 5, and was the brainchild of this author with the assistance of Ava Lewis of 4 A Star, a Founding Director of the Galloway Township Business Association and board member of the South Jersey Network.

“The Galloway area is home to such a diverse group of people, that any event that offers a chance to meet with like-minded individuals is always a great opportunity ,” says Lewis, who will be unable to attend tomorrow’s mixer due to a prior commitment, but will be attending all future “First Thursdays”.

“A coffee house is the natural setting for this kind of function. You can relax with an espresso drink or tea and discuss future business opportunities and how your businesses can work together and help Galloway businesses grow.” says Becker.

A topic sure to come up at the mixer is Stockton College’s bid to host a Presidential Debate in the fall of 2012, which could be a small boon for local businesses.

“That would be very exciting if Stockton College was to host a Presidential Debate, I would definitely attend.” says Lewis.

Mark and Becker opened Barista’s Coffee House in 2007, and it has quickly become the community hang out for locals of all walks of life. The Beckers are enthusiastic about meeting local businesses community members that attend the mixer.

“We are grateful to Jim (Doorn) and Ava for selecting our business as the permanent home of the mixer," Becker said. "Our coffee house is beautiful and we relish the chance to show it off to the area business professionals who may not have had a chance to see it yet, or have only used our drive-through.”