Williamsport Business Association to host annual gathering
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The Williamsport Business Association (WBA) will host 2023: New Directions, a gathering of local entrepreneurs, small business people, and career professionals on Monday, March 27.
The association, which boasts 60 members, and is going on 40 years, uses the County Comprehensive Plan as a source of topical information for its gatherings. The 2016 edition of the plan acknowledged a "lack of knowledge how our public sphere operates," expressed by young business people in the area.
Since then, the WBA has focused on closing that gap by bringing "different skill sets together to allow them to exchange information, learn from each other, and spark creative business energy in the community," a spokesperson for the WBA says.
"We've seen a real resurgence of entrepreneurs due to COVID-19, because there was a big emphasis on buying local," the spokesperson continues. In 2022, the association ventured outside of the downtown area, expanding into the "greater Williamsport area" by adding two members from South Williamsport.
Of particular excitement for the association, is the continuation of a Speakers Series and Networking event started four years ago. In the past, the association has focused on the downtown area, specifically, with speakers such as Alice Trowbridge, of Susquehanna Greenways Partnership, who spoke about The Heart of Williamsport. Sal Vitko has also previously spoken, providing updates on the Susquehanna Thruway, which continues to be a topic of interest. "The thruway is really going to impact our area. It's going to change the traffic patterns and how, as businesses and a community, can we take advantage of that knowledge," the spokesperson said.
Future talks based around the County Comprehensive Plan will include local, regional, and national marketing possibilities surrounding Williamsport's Renaissance and Cultural Tourism as future economic assets.
This year's speakers will present on the topic of Old City/East End Development, and include state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, Chip Edmonds, of Lycoming College, Brix Design Group's Chris Kaiser, and Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter.
Doors open to this members-only meeting at 5:30 p.m., with speakers presenting from 6 to approximately 7 p.m., with a Q&A to follow.
For more information on this event, or to learn how to become a business and/or professional member, please visit https://williamsportpa.org.