The “Multi Chamber Business After Hours” event brought together several St. Louis Chambers of Commerce for an evening of connection, collaboration, and casual fun.
he theme of connection, collaboration, and casual fun was evident last week when multiple Chambers of Commerce from the St. Louis region came together for the “Multi Chamber Business After Hours” event. This event, hosted by The Gallery at The District in Chesterfield, aimed to foster new business relationships and strengthen existing ones across various communities.
Scott Tate, president of the St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce, shared insights into the event’s origins and goals. “Four years ago, right before COVID, we at the St. Charles chamber sought to connect with ‘ethnic’ chambers like the Hispanic, Asian, and Heartland Black Chambers,” Tate explained. “We wanted to help business owners who wouldn’t ordinarily cross paths meet, increase diversity, and connect businesses with St. Charles County.”
Initially, the event included only these four chambers, but as its popularity grew, more chambers were invited. Last year, the Maryland Heights, Creve Coeur, and O’Fallon Chambers joined. The event has become so popular that finding a venue to accommodate everyone is now a challenge. Tate emphasized that the intent was never to exclude any chambers; it was more about logistical concerns regarding members’ willingness to travel. However, interest from chambers like North County suggests that people are indeed willing to travel for such valuable networking opportunities.
A highlight of the event was “Chamber Bingo,” where participants received bingo cards featuring logos from each participating chamber. This encouraged attendees to meet someone from every chamber to complete their cards, fostering a spirit of interaction and networking.
Planning for these annual events begins in April, with two or three additional events scheduled throughout the year.
I also spoke with the administrative team of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, including CEO Marvin Steele, CIO Gerald Greer, Event Specialist Kimberly St. Clair, and Chief Administrative Officer Lynda Anderson.
Pritchard: From the Heartland Black Chamber’s perspective, what was the initial vision behind a joint chamber event?
Steele: The vision was to engage various chamber communities into one, to socialize and enjoy spending time together.
Pritchard: Mr. Tate mentioned that while diversity and engagement were discussed, diversity wasn’t the main goal for this event. What are your thoughts on this, especially with the inclusion of chambers like North County?
St. Clair: The other chamber members in the St. Louis region should recognize that people are willing to drive and step outside their comfort zones if it means effective collaboration. Every collaboration is strategic and aims to improve the Black chamber.
Pritchard: How does this event align with the Heartland Black Chamber’s goals?
St. Clair: Collaboration with like-minded business organizations is beneficial. We aim to help our members succeed by working with other chambers, which allows barriers to drop away naturally.
Pritchard: Was promoting diversity and inclusion part of the event, or did it happen organically?
Greer: It happened organically. I connected with several members of the Asian Chamber, which led to successful collaborations and follow-ups.
Anderson: When we (Black people) enter the room, we attract attention. People were eager to know more about what we do, showing that organic connections were indeed happening.
Pritchard: How has Marvin Steele’s involvement impacted the Heartland Chamber’s mission and outreach?
St. Clair: Marvin Steele has been phenomenal in making the Heartland Chamber’s mission known and followed up with real action. We ensure our presence is felt and our mission understood.
Pritchard: Do you see this event contributing to local economic development?
Greer: Absolutely. It helps people get over the initial awkwardness of meeting new people and promotes collaboration across different sectors like legal, healthcare, and AI.
Pritchard: Do you foresee this event becoming a recurring initiative?
Steele: Yes, it will be.
Pritchard: Will St. Charles continue to spearhead, or will different chambers take turns leading?
Steele: Different chambers will take the lead and bring their unique goals and initiatives to the event.For more information on joint chamber events, contact the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce at St. Charles Chamber and The Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce at info@hbcstl.com.
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