We're starting something new called The Village from TFS. A kind of networking that doesn't feel like networking. No membership fees, no pressure to show up every time, no exclusive club energy. Just people who run businesses, sitting down together, talking shop, and actually getting to know each other and finding ways to help each other.

Here's how it works: there's no annual fee to join. You simply pay $25 per Village Table

(that's what we call each gathering) to reserve your seat. That $25 covers your spot at the table, coffee, water, snacks, and use of the space. Bring your own meal if you'd like, and for future meetings we plan to add a meal partner where you can place an order to be ready when you arrive. If life gets in the way and you've paid but can't make it, that credit just carries forward to the next one or you can send someone in your place.

You'll grab a nametag, find a seat, and get comfortable. Once everyone's settled, we go around the table for quick introductions. Then, if you've got one, we'll ask you to shout out a business [any business, doesn't have to be someone at the table] that's doing something worth noticing for their community, their customers, or just doing something neat.

 

From there, one Villager [picked the month before] gives a short presentation on whatever's relevant to their business right now like a new product, a lesson learned,

a team update, whatever they want to share.

 

Here's the part that makes The Village different: every Villager fills out a Village Offering card [something they're willing to offer that month], whether that's a few free hours of marketing help, a one-on-one on loan options, or a discount for anyone who wants to stock their staff room with treats. Cards go on the table. On your way out, take whichever ones are useful to you or grab one for someone you know who could use it. It doesn't have to stay in the room.

And please, bring people! Know a fellow business owner who'd fit right in? Invite them.

The more people at the table, the more offerings, the more connections,

the better this works for everyone.

 

Also, a portion of every Village Table fee is being set aside all year. At the end of our first Village year [September 2027], we'll donate it to a local charity or organization. Details on how much and where are still being worked out.

 

We know not everyone reading this is down the street from us. If you're coming from a little further out, we'd argue it's worth the drive. Alexandria's a good excuse for a day trip, and you'll walk away having met people who might just become your next referral, your next customer, or your next favorite lunch spot recommendation.

 

There's room for everyone at this table. New faces, familiar faces, whoever's ready to trade the cold outreach for something that actually feels like community.

 

Please feel free to bring a lunch as well. Snacks and beverages will be provided. If you extend this invite to someone, please make sure they purchase their own seat so we have a proper head count for each Village Meeting. Hope to see you soon!

September 8th at 11:30 am

October 13th at 11:30 am

November 10th at 11:30 am

December 8th at 11:30 am