Regina versus Nanaimo…

By Greg Hluska

(Disclosure – I once worked with Don Power and the cat taught me a whole lot)

When I grow up, I would like the Regina Streets magazine to belong to the Regina Chamber of Commerce.  Not only is belonging to the Chamber a great networking opportunity, I think it would be a very strong statement about where our publication hopes to fit within the Regina media scene.

Because of my love of and interest in our local Chamber of Commerce, I find myself constantly watching their web site.  And, I frequently compare their offerings to the services provided by Chambers in other markets.  Luckily, I read a whole lot of blogs so the opinions I read are quite diverse.  Don Power is Nanaimo based business strategist who frequently writes about the business scene in Nanaimo.

One of the most interesting things Don talks about is called “Business After Business” (or its sibling “Business Before Business”).  Basically, members of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce get together either before or after their business day for an informal networking event.  Something about this makes me say, “hmmmmm”….

Imagine if we had something similar in Regina (or even just downtown Regina)?  Can you imagine leaving working at 5pm and heading over to a watering hole for a beverage and a short presentation (or two) about an area business? Can you imagine how many people you would meet?  And can you imagine how tight our business scene would get in a couple of years?

I see this Business After Business/Business Before Business as a major opportunity for our city (and especially our downtown) and I would love to help promote it.  Thanks Don for the idea….