Washington Trust hosts Chamber’s Breakfast Before Business

BUSINESS BREAKFAST: Among those North Central Chamber of Commerce members who attended last Thursday’s Breakfast Before Business were, from left, Martha Correia, Donne Wood and Karen Balch, all of Navigant Credit Union; Nancy Rosedale of Bank of America; and Cheryl Morra.

Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine

MORNING’S HOST: Washington Trust served as host for last Thursday’s North Central Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Business at its newest location, 1383 Atwood Ave. in Johnston. Branch Manager Daniel Orovitz, left, is joined by Chamber Executive Director Deborah Ramos, Assistant Branch Manager Alicia Martinelli and staffer Aaron Guckian.

SHOW OF HANDS: A show of hands by these Chamber members shows their approval of last Thursday’s Breakfast Before Business.

Posted Thursday, December 11, 2014 3:01 pm

Pete Fontaine

During most months, the North Central Chamber of Commerce holds a popular Business After Hours event.

Such gatherings, Executive Director Deborah Ramos said, are typically social events held at a Chamber member’s business featuring fun, food and beverages, as well as “shop talk.”

For this month’s networking niche, the setting was totally different.

Ramos, you see, decided to try a Breakfast Before Business, and asked Washington Trust – one of the Chamber’s super supporters and special sponsor of the highly successful Apple Festival – if the bank would be interested in hosting the event.

“As expected, [Washington Trust Vice President/Branch Manager] Daniel Orovitz and his staff welcomed us for some great conversation among members and friends of the Chamber,” she said.

Ramos asked the morning’s attendees – who enjoyed coffee and mini-muffins from Chamber member Enchanting Bake – just how they liked mixing up the post-work day Business After Hours and beginning the day with Breakfast Before Business.

Almost everyone inside Washington Trust’s relatively new Johnston branch, located at 1383 Atwood Ave., raised their hand in approval, which put smiles on the faces of Ramos, Orovitz and Chamber ambassador Nancy Rosedale.

“Who can’t turn away a cup of fresh brewed coffee and freshly-baked muffins?” Ramos said while thanking Washington Trust for serving as the morning’s host. “It’s good business to do business with, and at, Chamber members’ locations.”

Ramos was also speaking of Enchanting Cake, one of the Chamber’s newest members that is also located in Johnston.

Last Thursday morning’s Breakfast Before Business also took on another new twits as far as networking is concerned.

Ramos, while serving as emcee and co-event hostess, gave each and every attendee a chance to participate in what he later explained was an “elevator pitch” – a one-minute opportunity to showcase their products, services and locations.

“I’m pretty sure most everyone would concur that this morning’s Breakfast Before Business was a total success,” Ramos said. “It was great seeing many of our Chamber members top in to share a morning coffee and mingle with all of us – most especially the great staff of The Washington Trust Company.”

The Chamber’s After Hours and Breakfast Before events are just one of the free benefits for members. And, as Ramos noted, “even if a member brings a colleague or friend, it’s only $10 for non-members.”

“These events offered a great chance to make connections that can and will help your business grow,” she added.

Ramos announced that the next official Chamber event is set for tomorrow, Dec. 12, when the organization hosts is annual Holiday Open House at its headquarters located at 255 Greenville Ave. in Johnston. For more information, call Ramos at 401-349-4674.