There were smiles, handshakes and friendly business banter Thursday night in Murrieta when an estimated 1,200 members of the regional business community gathered under one large roof for the All Chamber MEGA Mixer.
"This would be the biggest yet," said Patrick Ellis, president and CEO of the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, which began holding the popular event two years ago.
At least 105 vendors, including several chambers of commerce from Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Menifee, Perris and other neighboring cities, set up tables in the former Dixieline building at Orchard Stone Creek Plaza on Clinton Keith Road.
"Most of the feedback from last night indicated the partnerships between all of the chambers for this event was the biggest takeaway," Ellis told Patch Friday.
Since its inception, the event has been held both annually and semi-annually. Attendees use it as an opportunity to pass out business cards, talk with new prospects and catch up with existing community partners.
"From the feedback we received last night and so far today, businesses want this more than once a year so we are looking into trying to put together a second All-Chamber MEGA Mixer for later this year," Ellis said.
Larger venues have been necessary as the regional mixer has grown in popularity.
"The venue was absolutely perfect," Ellis said. "Everyone involved in the property, Allan Davis with Retail Development Advisors as well as Ken Dale, John Mayhem and Craig Deutsch with Dixieline were so great to work with and so accommodating to us. All of the feedback we received from vendors and visitors was venue and the set up was great. Hopefully the building will be leased out soon, but if not, we will definitely look to use the location again."
