Washington Chamber of Commerce to hold ‘Beers with the Board’

Editors note: In the article titled, 'Washington Chamber of Commerce to hold ‘Beers with the Board'” published on Thursday, March 19, it was incorrectly stated the first meeting would be April 3. The chamber has since postponed the event due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Union apologizes for the error.

WASHINGTON - The Washington Chamber of Commerce is looking for ways to begin connecting with members and has decided to add a new event, Beers with the Board.

Chamber Board President Matt Brown said this is a brand-new concept for the chamber but one he thinks will offer a 'direct line” for members and the staff to connect. An open forum event was held when the chamber first began considering taking on the Smouse House, formerly The Captain's Table, as a potential new location for the chamber offices.

'It would allow for us to spend a bit more time and for people to gain a little bit more ownership of the chamber they are members of,” he said.

The first Beers with the Board event is scheduled to take place Friday, April 3 at Lebowski's from 5-7 p.m. Brown said the future of that meeting is uncertain given the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, but as of publication the event still is on.

For those unsure if they should attend, Brown said anyone with new ideas is encouraged to be there. Diversity in ideas and backgrounds helps create a solid base to grow from to create a chamber that works for everyone.

'I hope they will get that buy-in for what the chamber stands for they will have the ability to have their voice heard by the representatives from the board that are selected by the members and that they can ask the questions they want to ask. I'm also hoping that it will drive people to become more involved with the chamber and chamber events,” he said.

Brown added a second Beers with the Board event is scheduled for Sept. 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Unc and Nephs. If a change occurs for either of these dates, the chamber will announce it in the near future.