KTRV Fox 12 Meridian Business Day Draws Giant Crowd

Meridian Business Day Draws Giant Crowd

Meridian, Idaho -- The Treasure Valley's first Meridian Business Day was likely a bigger hit than organizers ever expected. It drew more than 500 people who put their work on hold to learn how to thrive in this rough economy.

Dozen's of successful entrepreneurs joined forces to give lectures, addressing topics like starting up in a slow economy, securing federal grant money and online marketing.

"This event was put together by business leaders and business owners for small businesses. I think in this economy we're learning how to manage our business differently.   We're trying to figure out how we can still thrive," explained Brandon Wright, the president of Ultra Clean.

Finding answers to that question proved incredibly popular. More than 150 people attended the largest lecture. Smaller workshops often attracted 50 or more listeners, most seeking new techniques for success.

"One of the things we're here looking at as a business person is to get obviously new opportunities and new ideas that can take us out of this crisis that we're going through right now," said Christina McNeal, who attended several workshops. 

Donna Vinnard added, "Of course we're learning all the steps we can take and the tools that we need in this economy, which is a little tough on a lot of people, and how to help."

But it's was the chance to network with each other that was probably most important.

Matt Lopez, with Datatel, said, "I've seen it first hand already this morning. People making old connections, people making new connections. People that were about to purchase from vendors out of the area that are now going to buy locally."

"It's working. It's bringing people together, developing relationships and there's money moving through people's hands," said Wright.

While Meridian Business Day was developed by small business leaders, it was sponsored by the city of Meridian and the Idaho Department of Labor. 

Anyone who missed this opportunity can take advantage of another networking event. It's known as the Ultra Clean Smoke Out and in the past has also drawn roughly 400 people. It is held the third Wednesday of every month from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Ultra Clean building in Meridian.