What happens when you build a networking group people actually want to attend? In Lake Oswego, it looks a lot like the West End Business Group.
What started as a simple idea to bring professionals together quickly turned into one of the most engaging networking groups in Lake Oswego. What makes the group stand out is its ability to attract professionals who don’t typically attend networking events — including attorneys, CPAs, and healthcare professionals — and keep them coming back.
The West End Group, a Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce program, was forged in office areas like Kruse Way, Meadows and Centerpointe. By using available office spaces and bringing in compelling speakers, the group quickly turned its meetings into must-attend events. But the group does more than just fill seats — they foster real connections, thanks in part to early champions like Dawn Irwin of Director’s Mortgage, whose outreach and community involvement helped build awareness from the start.
Why West End Business Group Was Created for Lake Oswego Executives
For Chad Marting from Bank of the Pacific, the inspiration came from a clear gap in who was attending chamber events. And the Chamber of Commerce saw an opportunity to take advantage of open spaces to create more connections. “What stood out the most for me was how much the folks who were attending appreciated having a spot to gather relatively close to their offices, providing a space to connect, network, and learn something different every month,” explains Alistair Firmin, chair of the chamber board.
Location wasn’t enough, though, to get lawyers and CPAs to come to meetings they usually skip. Bringing those professionals together meant an opportunity for meaningful connections.
How Networking Groups Help Small Businesses Grow and Stay Resilient
“Networking, even with all the AI out there – pressing the flesh, sharing a cup of coffee, discussing a topic – really brings people closer,” Firmin says. “The business connections and the commerce that’s happening right in front of our eyes is fantastic.”
While networking groups are common, the West End Group thrives by taking a more intentional approach than the traditional model. They foster connections that go beyond the meeting space. “The best networkers know it’s not the person you meet,” Firmin adds. “It’s that person’s network that makes a big difference.”
These connections ripple out, helping small businesses stay resilient no matter the challenges facing the economy. When time and resources are limited, networking events need more value to earn people’s time.
West End Business Group Speakers Drive Deeper Engagement
The West End Business Group doesn’t just rely on the space to create the connections professionals seek. Chad Marting worked with Firmin and Irwin to maintain a strong lineup of speakers who spark thoughtful conversations and give attendees a natural starting point for deeper discussions.
“These meetings are driven by really interesting speakers discussing compelling topics,” Marting says. The speakers and their guided discussions make it easier to get past the introductions and really get to know each other.
“It’s like, ‘What did you think of that topic?” Marting describes, “which causes people to get to know each other differently.”
When you’re discussing the legal implications of AI or the insights of high-level professionals, the conversation feels more relevant and thought-provoking. “I wanted people to leave thinking it was a really great use of time,” Marting adds. “And they’ll tell their friends.”
One-Year Milestone Shows Strong Demand for Business Networking in Lake Oswego
One year in, the regular attendance speaks for the success of the group. “We’ve hit this stride where you’re going to get 20 to 30 people every month – and they’re not all the same,” Firmin says. “There are always four or five new people.”
The steady influx of members creates a broader impact across the community. It’s even inspired professionals to join the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce for the first time. “We’ve had new chamber members join specifically because they wanted to be part of this group,” Marting shares.
But what really demonstrates just how far this group has gone in such a short period of time are the new initiatives inspired by the group. “There has been a young professional’s group that has kind of spun off from this, [and] another group called TechConnect,” Marting adds.
What’s Next for Lake Oswego’s West End Business Group
The future looks promising for the West End Business Group. Word of mouth keeps the momentum building, and exciting topics ensure every meeting offers relevant and engaging discussion. “We have an FBI hostage negotiator coming up, [and] a federal prosecutor who has just wild stories,” Chad Marting of Bank of the Pacific says. “More speakers, more conversations, more interesting topics.”
The buzz around town is spreading. “I have people calling me saying, ‘I’ve heard about this group. Can I come?’” Marting adds. If you’re just finding out and are a local professional, they have a simple invitation for you – show up, connect and join a growing network.
“Just come to a meeting,” Marting says. “That’s the best way to get involved.”
Learn more by visiting the Bank of the Pacific website and the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce website.
Bank of the Pacific is a Member FDIC.
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