Pub tables amp up networking goals for local HBA

21 Nov Pub tables amp up networking goals for local HBA

Mary Ellis, Executive Director of the Builders Association of Greater Lafayette (BAGL), knows the key to a successful event is networking. Typically BAGL’s monthly membership meetings are dinners held at the American Legion, which has great food, service, parking and cheap beer. Their set-up, like most other places, has dining tables set for 8. Members come in, sit down, and never move.

To facilitate networking, Ellis has rented pub tables for the past two years – lugging them to and from events – which was taking a toll on Ellis physically and financially. Ellis was contemplating donating pub tables to the American Legion, when member Jason Phillippo, owner of Downham Homes LLC, asked if BAGL could sell sponsorships for the tables and include a company logo. A plan was hatched. BAGL member Henry Poor Lumber made the tables, the American Legion stores the tables throughout the year, and Ellis sold 20 table sponsorships. This member-driven solution not only improved networking, it provided another opportunity showcase members who support BAGL.