Network ILM
How to get (and stay) connected
Wilmington is a networking town. There are the long-standing traditional groups such as the chambers of commerce, new informal groups, and everything in between.
“I know more people here than in the thirty-six years I spent in New York,” says Kerry Kasotsky, founder of three-year-old organization K&M Speed Networking in which members meet over food and one-minute pitches.
K&M members support other groups such as Wilmington at Six, an informal group that took the place of Strictly Business, which closed about a year ago. Founder Mike Korn has more than 300 members on the mailing list, but thirty to fifty usually are at any given meeting.
“It’s all about building relationships,” he says. Regular emails promote members’ business activities and charitable efforts.
Cape Fear CREW is the local chapter of an international organization dedicated to advancing the achievements of women in commercial real estate. Membership includes all aspects of the business from accounting to marketing, and “is true networking amongst the members, guests, and potential members,” says Beth Quinn, senior vice president of First Citizens Bank and past president of the group. They meet regularly, alternating a speaker with a social event and regular lunch meetings “just to get to know the members better.”
Open to all despite their name, Wilmington Young Professionals just celebrated four years of facilitating connections. There is no restriction on age or professional field.
“I believe that young professionals have a lot to learn/gain from those 40 and above,” says founder Jackie Willse. “As long as you have a need to network, you’re welcome to attend.”
All ages also are welcomed to Wilmington Minority Professionals Networking Group, founded by nuclear engineer Shann Coleman to expand professional awareness, development, and interaction among the diverse population of the area. Coleman also compiles a newsletter of events, job openings, and other information that is emailed to the members. The group meets regularly at businesses around the county.
Former BNI chapter president Christina Jackson found more than networking with the group when personal circumstances begged for a new job. A member called, out of the blue, offering her one.
Now that’s networking.
Some networking organizations:
(Some have dues and membership requirements to attend, while others are free and open to the public.)
Greater Wilmington Business Journal and WILMA Monthly after-work networking events at various locations. Info: 343-8600
Wilmington Minority Professional Networking Group Info: Shann.Coleman@wmpng.com or go to www.wmpng.com
Island Women Open to residents, business owners, and those working or living on Pleasure Island. Meets first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. and evenings every three months. Info: Call 458-0868 or go to www.islandwomen.org
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Holds BizMix events around area. Info: Carol L’Esperance at 762-2611, ext. 209
Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce Info: 754-6644
North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Info: 383-0553
Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Info: 457-6964
Greater Hampstead Chamber of Commerce Info: 270-9642
The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce Info: 329-4446
Port City Young Professionals
Ages 20- 40, Meets third Wednesday of every month
at different locations. Info: Email admin@portcityyoungprofessionals.com or go to www.portcityyoungprofessionals.com
Wilmington Young Professionals Meets fourth Wednesday. Info: Email wilmingtonyoungprofessionals@gmail.com or go to www.wilmingtonyoungprofessionals.blogspot.com
Business Network International Exclusive profession representation and attendance requirements. Info: Go to www.bnicoastalnc.com
Three Wilmington chapters are:
Wilmington Shore Success Meets Wednesdays 7:15 a.m. Info: Call president Christopher Roberts at 622-4974
Wilmington Advisory Meets Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. Info: Call president Lauren Farraher at 679-4377
Port City Professionals Meets Mondays 11:30 a.m. Info: Call president Reggie Shropshire at 471-2725
Cape Fear CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Info: Email president Dana Pellizzarilaw at dana@dpellizzarilaw.com
Wednesdays at Six Informal networking each Wednesday, various restaurants. Info: 265-1360 or go to www.wednesdaysat6.com
K&M Speed Networking Structured B-to-B introductions. Meets at 11:45 a .m., second Thursday of each month at McAllister’s and fourth Thursday of each month at Strickland’s Window Coverings with occasional night meetings. Info: Contact founder Kerry Kasotsky at 338-2741 or kandmspeednetworking@gmail.com or go to www.KandM.me
Business and Professional Women’s Club Wilmington Meets second Thursday of each month, 11:30 am at Osteria Cicchetti. Info: Email president Stephanie Williams at Swilliams252@yahoo.com
