Many of Marshall's community groups and organizations united together for a time of networking and fellowship at the first Linking Leisurely event Tuesday at the Marshall Convention Center. "The whole concept of this was to get everybody together that had a volunteer base and in that volunteer base to introduce what you do in the community". Rotary Club President elect Jay Webb said, "And the community would have the opportunity to say, "I like that, or I'm interested in that." Rotary President Louraisel McDonald said the event was inspired by suggestions made by Rotary International President Ian Riseley to help unite the club with other community groups.
"We as a club thought it would be neat if we had not just a simple networking event, but we also wanted other local organizations (to attend) so the community can know about different organizations and what they have to offer," McDonald said.
Among the clubs in attendance were Harrison County 4-H, the Humane Society of Harrison County, Marshall Regional Arts Council, Optimist Club, Pilot Club, Starr Family Home, TSTC, Wiley College and more.
Marshall Lions Club, President Cody Holloway, said, "the event was a successful networking experience. We have program every week. I've met two people tonight and asked them to come speak at our club," Holloway said.
Renia Oswalt with Marshall Elks Lodge said she was able to hand out information to passersby about the lodge in hopes of building its member base.
"We've had a lot of visitors by our table and have been able to share a lot of information about what our organization does. It was a good networking opportunity," Oswalt said.
Webb said growing members was the impetus behind the event. The whole idea is to get new members, " Webb said. "In the nuts and bolts of an organization, your membership is your lifeblood. If your membership starts to dwindle you have to bolster that with new members".
"You always like to attract new people," District Governor Ted Huffhines added. "But (this event is) a potential to realize there is an opportunity to collaborate, develop a better awareness of needs with in the community and how we can leverage (our assets). It doesn't make a whole lot of sense having two different groups trying to attack the same problem, where as if they collaborate, their impact will be magnified."
