2008 Archives

Online Business Networking Tool Unveiled

HARRISBURG (June 2, 2008) - The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (HRC/CREDC) unveiled its solution to not having enough hours in the day to network. B-Link, an online networking tool, assists members who have trouble attending networking events and those who want to make the most out of their Chamber contacts.

“ After reviewing our membership surveys throughout the past couple years, we discovered that some of our members do not have time to spend a few hours out of the office to attend a networking event, and if they can, may not have time to follow up with the contacts they made at those events as they had hoped,” stated Sheila Himes, VP of Chamber Operations, HRC/CREDC. “To answer our members’ need, we’ve created, in conjunction with 2B Creative Solutions, a solution to the problem of not having enough hours in the day to network. B-Link offers the sole proprietor who can’t leave the office, the working parents who have to pick up their children after work, the sales representative who obtained several leads and would like to make appointments within the next week to get the most out of their membership – the ability to network on their own time.”

B-Link, the official Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC online business networking website, allows individuals to network with other individuals who are best suited for their business. New users simply post their profile, locate the type of business they are interested in networking with and business leads will automatically be delivered to their account. Users can also network with a listing of their current contacts. The month of June is a free trial period for both Chamber members and prospective members. After June, users must be Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC members and will be charged a nominal monthly fee of $19.99. Visit www.HarrisburgRegionalBlink.com for more information.

"There are many reasons that keep business professionals from attending networking events and other activities that are intended to build relationships and increase sales,” stated Jason Verdelli, General Manager/Partner, 2B Creative Solutions. “This could hurt the economy in the long run. We realized this almost 3 years ago when conceptualizing the idea of creating a way for local business people within networking-focused organizations (i.e. Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC) to easily connect with one another. Our web-based system is automated to facilitate this type of activity."

Skyward Thought, Inc. served as a technology partner for the development of this product. 2B Creative Solutions and Skyward Thought, Inc. will be working closely together to enhance and expand their product to other similar organizations throughout the country.

David McCollough, Webmaster/Partner, 2B Creative Solutions, added, "Unlike large business networking websites, our targeted approach will help give local businesses the opportunity to connect with a larger group of business people right here in the mid state. This will help our local economy by keeping the dollar close to home."

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region. HRC/CREDC has been accredited with four stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce.