The West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce “Speed Dating for Business” breakfast held Aug. 20 was called “very worthwhile” and “a great way to make business contacts.”

The program began a few years ago as Mega Marketplace and is now held once a quarter as a way for business people to connect with one another.

Each person takes a seat, armed with their company’s literature and business cards. At each seat is a number and each table has a colored tablecloth. Each person keeps their seat number and progresses to the same seat number according to a schedule of table covers. The number one spot at the tables retains their seat throughout, then all attendees that were number one at their respective table meets after everyone else has met. Theoretically, each person should meet every other person attending the event.

With about 49 attendees, many novices came prepared with an elevator one-minute speech explaining their company and the services they offer. An egg timer is used to limit each speaker so everyone can network properly.

Among the businesses represented were senior care, banking, insurance, Internet companies, newspaper, nonprofits, a security system, printing, education and others.

One new product shown was handmade New Orleans collectible Christmas ornaments, perfect for Christmas gifts or a corporate gift tag. Other new businesses, many in the service industry, introduced products and their services.

The American Cancer Society was on hand to sign up sponsors for the annual Relay for Life. The program helps raise cancer awareness as well as raise money for research.

One advertising sales rep said, “I met a lot of new people at the event.” Others that attended the event like the idea of changing places and making business contacts. One person said it was better than many events for networking and provided a number of good business leads.

Although a favorite for networking has always been business after hours with the Chamber, many attendees felt this was more professional and the venue provided a better atmosphere for “getting down to business.”