Longboat Key Chamber meets once more for Networking @ Noon

For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the members of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce swapped business cards and well-wishes in person rather than over Zoom. 

On Sept. 29, about 30 chamber members gathered at the Lazy Lobster to catch up, have lunch and begin to re-enter normal chamber life for Networking @ Noon. Normally, members are encouraged to bring a potential member to networking functions, but this one was open to members only. 

“It’s nice to be here after six months of not networking with anybody,” member Mary Ann Hollander said. 

A typical rendition of Networking @ Noon would feature members milling about, standing close to one another in small groups exchanging small talk and business cards. At this one, members in masks found their seats rather quickly and chatted amongst their table mates. 

“It feels really nice,” Kenneth Bannister said. “One day, we’ll be able to get rid of these (masks).” 

When longtime member Andrew Vac spoke and welcomed members to the event, he was met with cheers and clapping before attendees enjoyed their lunch. As usual, members went around the room to explain their business and what makes them different,