The answer is simple!
Our wine tasting is a fund-raising event for chamber operations. Chamber are only partially funded by dues investments. An important part of our operations budget comes from special events and management contracts. Some chamber experts say organizations like ours ought to be 60-80 percent funded by a non-dues revenue stream as a hedge against hard times when some businesses might founder or even go under.
The popular wine tasting and our equally popular golf outing help us raise money to support the chamber's daily operations. Thanks to these events, we've been able to put a new roof on our 43-year-old building and insulate our attic. We've also been able to initiate new programs that help our local business climate thrive.
Moreover, tasting wine has an indirect benefit to many business people. Who hasn't had to take clients out to dinner, or mix and mingle with company bigwigs at social events? Knowing a little about wine so you can order with confidence is an advantage.
About five years ago, I found myself seated next to a CEO at dinner. This world traveler was well-versed in exotic foods and loved to tour wineries. Had I not known a bit about wines, we might have struggled for a suitable conversation topic. As every successful business person knows, keeping abreast with many topics is a must when networking!
Besides, it's just plain fun. The event is always held on a Thursday, a night when the bulk of the work week is behind us and we can all kick back a little bit.
This year's wine list is exciting. The wines are rich and robust. I'm especially excited about an Argentinian Malbec that will pair perfectly with steak. There's also a Riesling I'm looking forward to tasting.
Come join us on Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lauerman House Inn. Tickets, $35 per person, are available at the chamber. Chef Joel Peterson promises tasty finger foods that pair nicely with the wines.
Have fun and support the chamber, too!
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