One year after its resurgence, the growing St. John Chapter of the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second Love City Business After Hours on Thursday, November 13, at Ocean Grill from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
As the economic landscape remains murky, there hasn’t been a better time for island business owners and professionals to network and band together, explained the local chamber’s St. John representative Kate Norfleet.
“Anyone who hasn’t already, should become a chamber member because the more members we have, the stronger our voice is and the more we’re able to really let the whole St. Thomas/St. John district know that St. John is a viable location that needs to be listened to,” said Norfleet.
Protecting Business Interests
“The way development has happened, we all need to make our voices heard and the chamber is a really good forum for that,” Norfleet continued. “The more St. John speaks out, the stronger our voice is.”
Chamber membership offers a variety of privileges, including health insurance benefits. Also, with a legislative committee which works directly on legislation that impacts businesses, the chamber ensures its members’ interests are protected, Norfleet added.
When Norfleet took over as St. John representative of the local chamber, she focused on resurrecting the long-defunct Love City chapter, she explained.
“We’ve been at this for a year now and its time to think about the chapter’s focus for the future,” Norfleet said. “We’ve accomplished some things already and we’re making a lot of progress on our initiatives.”
Chapter members have been working on the tourism greeter program, ensuring additional security cameras are placed throughout Love City, and discussing the proposed V.I. Port Authority ferry fees, which are currently pending.
Looking Out for Late Night Arrivals
“We’re also trying to make it easier on our guests who arrive late at night,” said the local chamber’s St. John representative. “We’re contacting water taxis and trying to find out what we can do for people who get to Red Hook after the last ferry has left. We’re trying to get a sign posted to inform visitors of their options at that hour."
“In general we’re trying to get the word out that everyone needs to work together to ensure that we remain a top market,” Norfleet said
While networking will be on the evening’s agenda, with the chamber’s famous $2 bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvers, the St. John Business After Hours promises to be a fun-filled event. Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will be available as well as membership applications. For information about the St. John
Business After Hours call Norfleet at 693-9099.
