Our Member Business Exchange Goes Virtual

Hosting a monthly opportunity for our members to learn more about each other's products and services is a long-time tradition at the Chamber. It often results in new business for our members and a better understanding of how they can collaborate and promote each other.

This month we took our Member Business Exchange event online and invited both members and potential members to join us. About 32 people joined the webinar on Tuesday, Apr. 7 at 3 pm. In addition to sharing more about their businesses, our presenters also shared some challenges they've been experiencing during their COVID-19 quarantine as well as advice for other organizations.

TWO BIGGEST CHALLENGES
- Missing the personal contact with customers, suppliers and colleagues
- The frustrations that can result from an increased dependency on technology

ADVICE FOR OTHERS
- Shopping local and supporting area businesses is more important than ever
- Don't just depend on your social media channels to share your new hours of operation or the online options you're now offering. Get that website updated as soon as possible with a pop-up that has the details. You'll reduce your phone inquiries substantially
- Check in with employees who are working remotely and consider stipends to cover the increased expenses they're covering from their own pocket, including internet costs

Our nine presenters had other great information to share so we live tweeted the event for those who couldn't join us. You can check those posts as well as other announcements on our Twitter.

Our thanks to our members who took time to participate. Many of you inquired about contact information for the presenters so we've listed that information here as well as one or two takeaways that they shared during the session.

Chris French, Cox Business
The Cox team is working long hours to meet the increased needs of their clients and to ensure that the community has the technology needed to operate as efficiently as possible. Recognizing how much the hospitality industry is suffering, Cox Media is providing free advertising for local food establishments. Follow this link for more information. 

Pattie Durham, Moxie Boutique
Pattie is encouraged by more online traffic from outside of the region and continues to utilize social media tools to promote her boutique. She shared information about a Small Biz Saturday Event that she's organizing for April 11 and she encouraged others to participate.

Brooke Mueller, Broadstroke, Inc.
Broadstroke is offering a business mailing solution called postalicity.com that is helping companies reduce their costs to communicate with their customers and still allowing the ability to operate remotely or at home. There are no minimums or maximums, so it's useful for businesses of all sizes who are looking for new mailing solutions.

Sharon Lampe, Pileus Technologies
Setting up remote access for businesses is an important service offered by Pileus Technologies. They're also working with area companies on technological security, which is imperative with so many employees working offsite.

Edward Fox, Tradebank of Wichita
Tradebank is a network of businesses who have come together to trade what they have for what they need outside of the traditional cash currency. Edward Fox shared that he is currently seeking dentists and lawn care professionals for the barter services his company provides.

Connie Porazka, Retreat to Joy
Watch for Zoom meetings that Connie Porazka is offering to provide tips and techniques for mindfulness. Let her know if your business is seeking ideas for reducing stress for your employees.

Austin English, Prost
Who's ready for some authentic German food? Prost is serving up food and beverages from their location at Revolutsia on east Central. Check their website and Facebook page for specials, place your order and then try their easy pick up service.

Jose Gutierrez, Farmers Insurance
Looking for a career change? Jose Guiterrez is seeking talented new team members to join him in offering insurance services.

Tim Fruits, Malibu Creative
The team at Malibu is assisting their existing and new clients with solutions for their digital design, storytelling, video and technology needs. They're nimble, responsive and ready to help businesses make efficient technology transitions.

Please let Chevis Rebstock on our team know if you are interested in participating in or sponsoring our next virtual Member Business Exchange. He can be reached at 316-268-1118 or crebstock@wichitachamber.org.

Continue following the Chamber on our social media channels and check the COVID-19 Resource Center for the latest updates about employer and employee tools to help weather the current conditions.