Advanced Networking Group forms in Cove

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

A new group specifically for business networking kicked off Thursday in Copperas Cove, called the Copperas Cove/Killeen Advanced Networking Group.

Approximately a dozen attended the noontime event at Lil Tex Restaurant, where the group will meet every Thursday.

Ron Oswalt, a Mississippi native, relocated to Texas 15 years ago and settled in Copperas Cove within the last year and is launching CCKANG.

Oswalt said being part of a networking group in Mississippi and Texas was very beneficial for local businesses due to its exclusivity and commitment.

On Thursday, Oswalt talked about what the CCKANG group does and what's expected from it's membership.

Membership will be $50 annually, which will help cover the cost of having a website as well as advertising in local newspapers and other avenues.

The meetings will keep to a schedule, with five minutes reserved for welcome, followed by about 25-30 minutes allotted for introductions.

Those who attended were asked to sign in, giving their business name as well and the type of business.

For now, Oswalt said he will head up the group for about six months or so, upon which the group will have elections for a president.

On Thursday, those who came for lunch had time to give a 30-second “elevator speech” about themselves and their business.

Part of weekly meetings is also dedicated to an Educational Moment, which can take about 10 minutes. Members share a specific personal growth or business tip.

At the close of the meeting, attendees were encouraged to exchange business cards with each other.

James Pierce Jr., owner of a local Kitchen Tune-Up franchise, wasted no time in introducing himself to another member who speicalizes in home remodeling and repair.

“Do you happen to do drywall?” Pierce asked David Gilg, owner of Big D's Home Remodeling and Lawn Care Service, who replied that he did. Examples like this are how CCKANG hopes to help its members grow their businesses through referrals and networking.

Oswalt stressed that being a member of CCKANG means that members can't belong to other groups that are strictly business networking groups. This doesn't exclude other types of civic club memberships, however.

The next meeting of CCKANG is Thursday, June 23 at noon a Grill Daddy's located at 308 E Avenue D, Copperas Cove, TX · (254) 577-5228.