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Webster Groves business commission authorizes up to $1,000 for Aug. 14 after-hours networking event; chamber to match $500
Summary
The Business Development Commission approved up to $1,000 in funding for an after-hours networking event on Aug. 14 and discussed logistics including location, food vs. alcohol coverage, RSVP and voucher proposals.
The Webster Groves Business Development Commission voted to authorize up to $1,000 from its budget to fund an after-hours networking event set for Aug. 14, with the Webster Groves Chamber of Commerce expected to contribute about $500 as a match.
Commission members debated venue choice, whether to cover alcohol and how to allocate funds for food and vouchers. One commissioner proposed covering appetizers and avoiding alcohol because the city cannot pay for alcohol; another suggested using drink vouchers for a limited number of arrivals. The commission agreed that $1,000, combined with a $500 chamber match if secured, should be sufficient to cover appetizers for an expected crowd.
A participant said the last similar event drew about 75 attendees and the total cost for the prior event was approximately $1,200; that event included donated hors d'oeuvres from a venue operator who may not repeat the donation. Commissioners agreed to allow a subcommittee to confirm a venue quickly and return logistical details to staff for invoicing and RSVP setup.
The motion recorded in the meeting authorized “up to $1,000” from the BDC for the August after-hours networking event; the chamber stated it could provide $500. Participants agreed to use the commission’s Constant Contact account for invitations and to include an RSVP feature. The commission also discussed offering a limited number of vouchers for drinks to early arrivals as a promotional option.
During the discussion members emphasized the goal of supporting local restaurants and keeping costs manageable for host venues. Staff and subcommittee members were directed to confirm venue availability, finalize an invitation, and provide estimated line-item costs before the event.
