Frequently asked questions about the ABN
When are ABN luncheons held?
Luncheons are always held on the third or fourth Tuesday of the month. We attempt to avoid holidays or special community event days that would fall on the Monday prior to a scheduled luncheon.
Is it always a luncheon?
Official monthly meetings are always scheduled as luncheons. Doors open at 11:15am for check in and early networking opportunities. Meetings officially start at 11:30am and dismiss at 1pm.
We also host some open events that are open invites to anyone who would like to attend. These are highlighted in our monthly newsletter and no RSVP or special invitation is required.
Where are ABN luncheons held?
We currently have several locations that we rotate luncheons between, but are always looking for additional meeting room opportunities. We need a conference room that can comfortably host fifty to sixty guests and is suitable for catered meals.
Can anyone come to an ABN luncheon at any time?
Private invitations are sent out to members and their invited guests about a week prior to a scheduled luncheon. This invitation gives all the details of location and also provides members and guests the opportunity to select their lunch from a catered menu as a part of their RSVP. Cost for luncheons is always $10.
How can I get an invitation to an ABN luncheon?
Luncheons are by invitation only. All invitations must be extended by an active member of the group. Active members have a more thorough understanding of group guidelines and dynamics and are less likely to invite a guest who would be a direct business competitor or conflict of interest with another active member of the group.
Visit our members’ page for a complete list of active members and contact anyone that you may personally know about your interest in attending a future luncheon.
How does someone become an Active Member?
Active members are loosely defined as those who have attended at least three meetings over a four month period and have by their actions demonstrated a desire to be a part of the group activities and outreach.
All Active Members will have their line of business protected from direct competition and/or conflict of interest within the group. Luncheon invites should not be extended to those who represent a similar line of business of an Active Member UNLESS that Active Member has been contacted and welcomes the invite.
Can someone who has visited previous ABN luncheons invite a guest?
We ask that a person attain Active Member status prior to extending luncheon invitations. This guideline is in place to give guests and returning guests an opportunity to fully acclimate to how the group functions and operates. It also insures that they get to know the Active Members of the group on a more personal level prior to inviting guest of their own. There are no exceptions.
Do active members pay monthly or annual dues?
No. We do not charge dues for membership. The only financial obligation for ABN members or guests is the cost of the luncheon each month ($10). This cost is the same for active members and guests.
Do active members have any other responsibilities or obligations?
Active members are responsible to provide business cards that promote the line of business that they represent and that line of business only. These cards are kept in a notebook that is displayed on the promotions table during luncheons. It is a member’s responsibility to check the book and ensure that their cards are fully stocked.
Active members are responsible to RSVP for all luncheons. If they are planning to attend, they select their lunch item from the menu. If they are unable to attend, they indicate their inability to attend the luncheon on the RSVP form.
Active members are also responsible to refer business and initiate contacts and introductions between their circle of clients and other members of the group as opportunity to do so arises.
Active members are also allowed to submit information for the newsletter about local events in which they will be personally involved. We try to promote our members and our community in any way possible.
Active members can also submit advertisements or offer discounts from their business through the newsletter at no charge as a part of their membership.
We also ask that all active members be involved in seeing that the monthly newsletter reaches as many people as possible each month by forwarding the newsletter to friends and clients, or by requesting that friends and clients add their name to the newsletter mailing list.
All Active Members will be encouraged to create a more personal profile at www.Biznik.com with added details as to the services they provide. The Biznik profile should include a photo and will be linked in the ABN monthly newsletter and on this site once it is established. We have a number of members who can help with this if help is needed.
What can happen that would cause a member to lose their membership?
An Active Member shall be considered Inactive if they fail to attend 3 consecutive luncheons. At that point, their line of business would be open to be filled by someone new.
Being unable to break away from work for three consecutive months will not be considered a valid reason. Every Active Member of the group sets aside time to attend the luncheons. At times this requires them to put some things on hold that are in need of direct attention so that they can attend.
Still have some questions? E-mail us.
