Next 'Coffee and Connections' Event Planned for Dec. 2

Hatboro-Horsham School District’s Coffee & Connections offers much more than the typical business networking event, say those who attend the monthly sessions at District schools.

The meetings allow attendees to speak with District leaders and each other about their businesses. Superintendent Dr. Curtis Griffin, who attends each informal session, not only gives the inside scoop on the District’s happenings and direction, he actively seeks input from the business community on the skills they think District graduates must have. And at every Coffee & Connections, students and teachers present a District program, initiative, or technology, most recently demonstrating what students learn from the robotics program, through which they build a robot that competes against robots from other schools.

Even greater opportunities are available for businesses who sponsor a Coffee & Connections session, since the sponsoring business makes a 10-minute presentation on the services or goods their business or organization provides. “That meant I was not just having the opportunity of meeting people if I happen to be having coffee next to them, I got to expound upon my business and point out some of its strengths to all 20- or 30 people who were there,” said Marian Cohen, Area Director of Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services, which provides both in-home and in-school tutoring. It’s a wonderful, win-win way to give back to the district,” Cohen said.

Sponsors make a donation for this heightened visibility, but attending the events is free and open to all businesses and organizations, both inside and outside the district. Cohen said getting involved with Coffee & Connections would benefit any business person. One connection she made invited her to a meeting of BNI – the international business networking organization. She’s also met at least one potential client, and has a better understanding of the local competition.

Frequent Coffee & Connections participants Marge Jacoby, Director of Business Development at the Abramson Center for Jewish Life in North Wales, and Kevin Scaltrito, Financial Services Professional with New York Life, agree with Cohen that networking opportunities at Coffee & Connections are unique.

“Networking is something you need to be strategic about as a business owner,” Scaltrito said. “If you’re going to spend time networking, you want to increase the chances of meeting the type of people you want to work with. Everybody I’ve met at these events has been very nice, polite and well-spoken, and they legitimately care about their businesses, their customers and their communities.”

“Some of the people who are there don’t go to regular networking events, and that’s opening a door for me,” said Jacoby. She tips her hat to Hatboro-Horsham for offering the opportunity. “I happen to think it was brilliant,” she said. “It’s very positive for business people to see what’s going on inside those school walls.”

She’s been impressed. And she believes longer-term partnerships between businesses and schools that will mutually benefit both will arise from Coffee & Connections.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact Jeannie Hagan, Director of Community Outreach & Communications, at JHagan@hatboro-Horsham.org or 215-420-5561. Interested in participating? Here’s a list of upcoming sessions. All businesses and organizations are welcome. For security purposes please RSVP. Call 215-420-5561 to register.

Upcoming Coffee & Connections Sessions

December 2, 7:30-9 am, Blair Mill Elementary School, 109 Bender Road, Hatboro.

January 6, 2015, Noon-1 pm, Hallowell Elementary School, 200 Maple Ave., Horsham.

February 3, 2015, 7:30-9 am, Crooked Billet Elementary School, 101 Meadowbrook Ave., Hatboro.

March 3, 2015, 7:30-9 am, Keith Valley Middle School, 227 Meetinghouse Road, Hatboro.

April 7, 2015, 7:30-9 am, Pennypack Elementary School, 130 Spring Ave., Hatboro.

May 6, 2015, 7:30-9 am, Hatboro-Horsham High School, 899 Horsham Road, Horsham.