OPINION ZONE: Top 5 local networking groups

October 29, 2009 | Posted by Keith Riggs
If you're new to the Wilmington area or thinking about starting a business, networking groups are a great way to meet new contacts, socialize and -- if you're lucky - eat some free food. Before there were only a few groups to choose from, like the Chamber of Commerce or BNI groups which have annual fees. You could always try hitting the Happy Hours around town, but you never know what kind of shenanigans you'll run into, and you probably aren't meeting the right contacts. In the current economic climate, there are now many networking groups available to fit any budget or time schedule. Here is a short list of my favorites:

The Wilmington Professional Group was founded in 2006 by a gentleman named Brian Anderson. There are currently 477 active members who meet at least once a month to socialize, network and learn about each other's businesses. The meetings are held at a variety of locations around Wilmington, sometimes hosted and catered by its members. You can learn more about the Wilmington Professional Group on their website: wilmingtonprofessionalgroup.com or their Ning social networking site: wilmingtonprofessionalgroup.ning.com.

Wilmington Young Professional Networking Group was founded by Jackie Wilse, a young entrepreneur and owner of Port City Candles. The group has grown to a strong membership of 760 young professionals already in its first year. Jackie is very hands-on with the WYPNG and organizes each event once a month at a local restaurant. She does a great job keeping everyone informed, through her E-mails, Facebook and Blog. You can learn more about WYPNG here: wilmingtonyoungprofessionals.blogspot.com.

Wilmington's 3rd Street Plaza is an online social networking group created by Ty Downing of Say It Social, who are "Social Engagement Consultants." The online networking and social site started in January 2009 and has 466 active members with more joining on a daily basis. Wilmington's 3rd St. Plaza is an online community like Facebook but designed specifically for the local Wilmington business community. Check them out: 3rdstreetplaza.com

Wilmington Tweet Up and Wilmington IT Infusion (WITI) are two networking groups for the tech-savvy, Internet-driven professional. Wilmington Tweet Up was started by Sarah Barbee of Fuss Budget for all those interested in the power of Tweeting. Members range from beginners to hardcore Tweeters. Wilmington IT Infusion is a group of like-minded tech geeks, bloggers, IT and Internet professionals who meet once a month to talk all things geek. The group was started by Matthew Magne, a local IBMer who likes to say things like "Pretty sweet sample of Websphere sMASH, leveraging a DOJO UI and hitting InfoSphere MDM server," while drinking a beer. Both groups can be found on Facebook.

Anybody know of other groups I should include on my list? E-mail me at: keith@wilmingtondesignco.com.