The Ponte Vedra Professionals Networking Group (PVPNG) recently installed its new officers for the coming year.
Officers elected at the Feb. 24 meeting include President Brooks Werkheiser, a certified identity theft risk management specialist with Legal Shield; Vice President David Strohecker, a financial advisor with D2 Capital Management; and Treasurer Marti Tyrrel of Redwood Tax & Accounting. The group is comprised of representatives from a wide variety of local businesses and industries, with members enjoying category exclusivity for their specific industry.
PVPNG differs from other local networking groups, members say, in that it focuses more on the Ponte Vedra/Jacksonville Beach area and reflects a “Beaches” mentality.
“We felt the Beaches needed a group where people could network and grow their business in a more relaxed atmosphere,” said AAA’s Gloria Dongara, one of the original members who founded the group in 2013. “We wanted to create a group that had the ability to be flexible – not something that became almost like another part-time business commitment.”
Currently, PVPNG meets Wednesdays at noon at the Hilton Garden Inn Ponte Vedra, with annual dues of $75. The group also maintains a more relaxed attendance policy than some networking groups, asking that members try to make 75 percent of the meetings. If members miss a meeting, there is no requirement to make it up or send a replacement.
“We are all busy professionals with busy schedules,” incoming President Werkheiser said. “We want PVPNG to be a group that members look forward to attending, not a dreaded obligation.”
To that end, he noted, PVPNG is implementing some new offerings in the coming year to increase membership and build upon the strong camaraderie and personal connections members have fostered.
“Moving forward, the first meeting of every month will be an evening social that will be held at different restaurants and clubs in the Beaches area,” Werkheiser said. “We hope these ‘happy hour’ type gatherings will encourage other local professionals to join us and see what we’re all about.”
The group’s next evening social will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday April 6 in Mulligan’s Pub at the Hilton Garden Inn.
PVPNG is also developing a more active speakers program to offer its members new insights and advice from other business owners.
Attorney John Miller, owner of Rock Solid Business Law and another founding PVPNG member, said the group has been successful in helping him build his business.
“Any business person who wants to increase referrals in the Ponte Vedra and Beaches areas would be well-served to come and visit the group to see if it’s a good fit,” he said.
For more information on the Ponte Vedra Professionals Networking Group, contact Werkheiser at 601-946-4117 or visit www.pvpng.com.
