Strathmore's Scotiabank branch was filled with local business owners on Wednesday (Jan. 15) for the monthly Coffee Connections, hosted by the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce.
According to board chair Michelle Bissett, the event allows residents to meet and network with local businesses. Over the last few months, Coffee Connections has seen an increased turnout, nearly doubling from July of 2024.
"We're getting the word out more through our advertising and marketing, but I think it's also through word of mouth."
Bissett, who also works at Scotiabank, said they skipped their December event due to an expected low turnout.
"We decided that with people busy and off for Christmas holidays, that December be our one month that we just kind of take a break."
The event is open to anybody, not just chamber members. However, Coffee Connections also serves to inform residents about the benefits that come with joining the chamber.
"Health insurance, dental, and all of that is just one of the things that comes with being a chamber member. As a smaller business, that's a huge add-on."
Coffee Connections is hosted at a different business every month, and anybody interested in joining the organization can do so by getting in touch with them on the chamber's website.
The event began in Strathmore back in 2023.