Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with members that all circle around the same thing: what’s actually worth your time right now? It’s a valid question. But in this note, I want to gently shift the perspective—how can you show up in an impactful way for you, right where you’re at?
Instead of going to an event you’ve signed up for and standing around waiting for someone to start a conversation with you… how can you be the one who starts it?
Some of you might not know this, but one of the final pieces of my interview to become Executive Director at the Chamber was to attend our Mingle & Jingle as a representative of my business and just start talking to people. It was a subtle test—of how I would show up, lean into the room, and connect.
It was exciting and nerve-wracking. I knew absolutely no one—and I knew the test was happening—but it was also exhilarating.
I’ll never forget spotting Taylor at Cosmic Plants. We ended up working the room together, while Laura Petrunick (a past Chamber President) introduced me to Geet Chahil—who’s now on our Board. From there, it was just conversations—talking about my business, learning about others, recognizing a few familiar faces. And that experience stuck with me because it really is that simple.
When you come to a Business After 5—or any event—you’ve already made the decision to be there. Everyone in the room has. They’ve registered, carved out the time, and shown up.
This is the work.
It’s not always comfortable to walk up to someone you don’t know. But building relationships, having conversations, listening, connecting—that’s a huge part of doing business.
I like to think of our events as a place to practice that. To listen for what people need, see if your business meets that need, or connect them with someone who does.
If you walk into a room asking, “How can I help someone?”—and that doesn’t always mean selling—you’ll leave with a completely different experience.
Better conversations, stronger connections and you’ll be better remembered.
That’s a big part of why people say the Lincoln Chamber feels different.
We’re paying attention to those experiences and creating more intentional spaces. It’s not about how big the event is—it’s about the meaningful connections. And it’s actually pretty fun!
This month, I’m really looking forward to our May 14th Business After 5 at e-bike the Bench Wine Tours AND a morning event on May 12th with our newest Chamber member, Costco—exclusive access, no lines, and yes, free samples.
Our annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament is also just around the corner (May 27). Registration closes in one week, and we’re looking for eight more foursomes—so grab a friend (or two) and join us. Every year, I hear the same thing: how fun and collaborative this event feels.
Yes, it supports the Chamber, the NCF, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara—but it’s also about spending real time with people, on the course, in conversation, building relationships. We’re here to kick off the season with something that feels good to be part of.
If you were at State of the Town, you heard Katy Letourneau share that nominations for our Board of Directors are now open. Check out the application form and consider applying—if you have questions, I’ll be hosting an info session to walk through what that looks like (with a replay available).
As always, if you’re looking for ways to show up more intentionally—whether that’s attending an event, promoting your business, or getting involved—we’re here for that.
And if you take anything from this note, let it be this: Don’t wait for the room to come to you—walk in and be part of it.
Looking forward to seeing you out there.
Emilia Amaro
Executive Director, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce