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Business & Tech

Mega Mixer Brings Business Movers to Rye

B2B networkers were out in force at the Rye Town Hilton Thursday for the Business Council of Westchester's 9th annual Mega Mixer Business Expo.

For nine years running, the Business Council of Westchester has hosted the Mega Mixer Business Expo.  

“It’s all about connecting with various businesses, wanting to make things happen and it’s an opportunity to showcase my work,” said White Plains graphic designer Jill Singer. “It’s a very effective event and it’s my second year doing this.” 

This Thursday, 200 vendors set up on two floors at the Rye Town Hilton to do some nitty-gritty networking.

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"Our purpose really is to give businesses whatever it is they need to grow," said Hillary Millman of the  Business Council of Westchester. "Our mission is to create that opportunity." Millman said many of the attendees come to the event looking for products and services they need to expand their businesses.

“My company is starting to branch out with parties and fundraisers," said Alexis Myones of Star Refining in Norwalk, CT.  "I was going to the different tables finding worthy causes and quotes and I hope I might be able to hook up with them.” 

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Attendees included Broadview Networks of Rye,  Greater Hudson Bank, SUNY Purchase, ConEdison,  and The City of White Plains Youth Bureau. While the event is not geared for job seekers, Millman said some of the businesses are ready to expand their hiring.

  “I’ve found instructors for some of my programs here and it’s a good opportunity for us to connect with Westchester residents and see what emerging markets and careers are out there and see if we can offer different classes in various areas,” said Kelly Jackson, director of continuing education at SUNY.

About 1,800 people created the buzz on two floors at  Rye Town Hilton.  Besides the 200 vendor booths, there was also a media session and cooking demonstrations throughout the afternoon. With so many people, food samples quickly ran out.

Millman said many of the exhibitors told her this year's event was the best ever.

The Twitter-sphere seemed to agree:

Perry DiNapoli:  "Another fantastic event... Great to see business Community is alive and well!"

 Ninnytwit:  "Really glad I went to the BCW #megamixer this afternoon, I believe there was something for everyone. Impressive. "

Gina Valentino:  " KUDOS @westchesterbiz Awesome turnout 2011 Mega Mixer today. Lots of follow up to do in the morning! Can we make this a quarterly event?"

"It was crowded from the time we opened the doors until we closed," said Millman.  

Maybe the atmosphere was so upbeat because conditions for business around the county are picking up. Members of the Business Council of Westchester are saying the time it takes to turn contacts into clients is decreasing and some are looking to hire new staff. "They are definitely feeling more positive," said Millman.

"We had 20 tables when we started and we're at maximum capacity now." Millman hopes the event will return to Rye Town Hilton next year. "We have something special planned for our 10th."

 

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