It’s a chance for members to come and mingle
with the best of Valdosta. It benefits those who
attend and it benefits the businesses.”
wanting to host especially if there is a specific month
being sought.
“It’s a chance for members to come and mingle with
the best of Valdosta,” Pope said. “It benefits those who
attend and it benefits the businesses.”
Wade and Pope said about 175-200 members attend
each event.
Attendees can expect food and drinks to be provid-
ed by the host business. Some businesses will provide
music and prize giveaways.
Business members can reach out to Pope or Wade
to look at hosting a Business After Hours. There is a fee
and contract involved just going over all of the details of
the event and the chamber will handle all advertising for
the event including graphics, an email blast and pushing
the event through Facebook.
The chamber can provide recommendations for
caterers, entertainers and any other needs that might
arise. All recommendations come from other chamber
members to further the networking capability of the
event.
All chamber members are invited to attend and
get to know the business hosting as well as meet other
members.
Pope said each event can be as unique as the busi-
ness wants.
“We’ve had some good collaborations between busi-
nesses hosting a joint business after hours,” she said. “It
doesn’t have to be just one business.”
Wade added it’s a good idea to bring business cards
to the event to share with others but it’s not uncommon
to see people sharing contact information on a napkin
or just adding contacts to their phones.
Wade said the chamber is often asked about attire
for the event.
“You can come right from work, we tell people
come as you are.”
She said many come in their uniforms straight
from work which can sometimes just be another way to
network as people get introduced to the business.
The two recommend any new members or anyone
thinking of joining the chamber to reach out to them
about attending the laid-back atmosphere of a Business
After Hours and learn to network with ease.
“Serving Valdosta since 1953”
1100 N. Patterson St.
“ SERVING VALDOSTA & MAFB SINCE 1953”
2019
229-244-1992 • 800-647-3716
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Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce | Trendsetters
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