Written by: Michelle Skarpness, Michelle Skarpness Photography
When the Chamber introduced its new roundtable meetings, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a photographer who has spent over 25 years in this community, I haven’t always put myself out there to network with others.
What strikes me most is the energy in the room. There’s something genuinely contagious and uplifting about sitting down with fellow business owners who are all rowing in the same direction. These aren’t polished sales pitches or surface-level small talk — people show up open, honest, and willing to share. That kind of authenticity is rare, and it’s what keeps me coming back.
The learning alone makes each meeting worthwhile. Hearing how other small business owners navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and think creatively gives me perspectives I simply can’t get sitting behind my camera. At every roundtable, I walk away with something new — an idea, a strategy, or a fresh way of looking at my own business.
I’ve also discovered just how much the Chamber has to offer that I didn’t know about before. Each meeting has pulled back the curtain on programs and resources I had no idea existed. That alone has been eye-opening.
And the connections are real. I recently met another local business owner at a roundtable, and we’re now planning a collaboration together. That’s the kind of outcome you hope for but don’t always expect — and it happened because this program created the space for it.
If you’re a small business owner who hasn’t made it to a roundtable yet, I encourage you to come to the next one. Come ready to listen, ready to share, and ready to be surprised by what this community has to offer. I’ll see you there.