By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
Last Thursday at the J House Hotel in Riverside, local businesses gathered for the fifth annual First Bank of Greenwich B2B Networking Event.
The hotel was transformed into a networking hub, with booths set up throughout the building. Attendees were able to munch on delicious food and imbibe refreshing cocktails in a relaxed setting while promoting their businesses.
There was also musical accompaniment indoors and outdoors, provided by Big Deal, Billy G & the Boys, Night Market, Pete Francis & Friends, and a tropical-beat steel band.
Frank Gaudio, president and CEO of the First Bank of Greenwich and host of the event, said this was the biggest crowd they’ve ever had.
“It was great,” Gaudio said. “It went really, really smooth. It was a beautiful event.”
Planning for the event begins a year in advance for the big undertaking. Gaudio prefers to stay local and support local, so the event is invitation-only.
“Most of the people sponsoring the event are customers of the bank. It’s really nice to see them out supporting the bank, us supporting them. That’s what business is supposed to be,” Gaudio said.
Aside from the music, which is a favorite aspect of Gaudio’s, he said he enjoys greeting people at the door as they come in.
“I really enjoy seeing them coming into the event and knowing that they’re going to have a good time,” he said. “It’s just great seeing everybody, people bringing friends in, introducing me to new people that I haven’t met before. That’s my enjoyment.”
One business that attended the event was Rise Brewing Co., a Greenwich-based nitro cold brew coffee company. Started in 2012 by co-founder Jarrett McGovern, who began brewing coffee in his New York City apartment before taking the operation to Greenwich, the company has really grown over the past few years.
The B2B networking event is important to keep the buzz going.
“It’s really important that people meet the faces behind the brands,” McGovern said about networking. “We’re really proud of our flavor and it’s something that we think once people try they’re going to come back for more and then once they see it on the shelf, hopefully they’re going to buy it.”
Another business that took advantage of the networking event was Hoops 4 All. The organization was founded in 2012 by Wilner Joseph, who wanted to reach out to special needs children through basketball in order to have them develop social skills.
“I said I wanted to do something special and show these kids support and bring happiness to their face and their families and let them know there’s hope,” said Joseph, who has extensive college and semi-pro basketball experience. “To let them know they can do anything they put their minds to.”
Joseph wants to spread autism awareness nationally and all over the world. Anyone who wishes to donate is urged to check out www.hoops4all.com.
Other businesses in attendance included Abilis, Jolie Gotique, The Undies Project, Sky Blue Stables, The Granola Bar, Joey B’s Chili Hub, County TV & Appliance and DiMare Pastry Shop. Overall, there were nearly 50 exhibitors located throughout the hotel.
What separates the B2B networking event is the atmosphere. According to Gaudio, at other events or trade shows the vibe is usually mundane. But with good music, good food, good drinks and thriving local businesses housed in one location, the B2B event is the crown jewel event of the year for the First Bank of Greenwich.
“I think it was the best one we’ve had yet,” Gaudio said.
Now, the planning begins for next year.
