Local Professionals Meet, Network at Area Restaurant

PBBNG is the latest to join the network of local Business Networking Groups (BNGs), which includes groups in Collegeville, Phoenixville, Blue Bell, Central Bucks and Indian Valley.

“We started in Collegeville back in 2006,” said Barbara Ayling, founder and president of the Collegeville Business Networking Group. “At the beginning, we had seven members.”

But through word-of-mouth marketing, the group has now grown to over 300 members among the six local BNGs. Ayling attributes this growth to a grassroots, local focus.

"We’re structured for small-to-medium businesses, but along the way, we have gotten some members from larger businesses as well,” she said.

Ayling began her career as the funder of Inside-Out Cleaning, a commercial and residential service based out of Collegeville.

“I wanted to help my neighbors,” she said. “People came along, and started additional chapters. For a while, it was a little overwhelming, but we’ve helped so many people and their businesses.”

Ayling’s local-first mentality is evident in the charitable works performed by the BNGs. Subscribing to the theory of “think locally, then globally,” the group raised over $5,000 for the local SPCA in last year’s fundraising drive.

Judi Himes is an employment consultant for KenCrest Services and serves as president of the PBBNG.

“KenCrest has been a recipient of this group’s generosity,” Hime told the group at this past week’s meeting. “There’s a genuine ripple effect—something good comes to me from connecting with each of you.

Meetings begin at 7:30 a.m. each Thursday and last approximately one hour. After a short meet ‘n’ greet, members sit for breakfast while a pre-selected individual gives a 10-minute presentation on his or her business.

Last week’s speaker was Sandi Karlson, an independent travel agent based in Collegeville. Karlson presented slides from a recent cruise to the southeastern United States. She arranges trips for anyone—from those looking for a honeymoon destination to someone just looking for a getaway.

“Sometimes, people say ‘I want to be somewhere warm, but I don’t know where,’” said Carlson. “That can be challenging, but I can make it happen.”

Carlson’s presentation was followed by each of the 20 attendees offering a 30-second speech on themselves and their business. Attendees enjoy a Friendly’s breakfast as part of the meeting.

“This group has brought me some great friendships,” said Ayling. “When I’ve had tough times—such as my knee replacement a few years ago—I received kind thoughts and plenty of help from many of these people.”

The cost to attend each meeting is $10. By attending two meetings per month, or six per quarter, a member becomes eligible to give a short presentation to the group on their particular business. For more information, visit www.pbbng.org