ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Residents of St. Clairsville and the surrounding area are invited to a networking event next month, to relax and talk over food and drink.

The chamber of commerce will be hosting a “Corks and Forks” event on July 27, where local business owners can come out after work, relax among friends and colleagues, and enjoy some tasty snacks and drinks. The event is primarily focused on networking between the chamber and local business owners, helping to forge a stronger connection to the community by working together to make sure businesses continue to grow and thrive in the area. St. Clairsville chamber Director Wendy Anderson said the night should be a good time for all.

“I think people can expect a great fellowship where they can talk freely about their business,” Anderson said, adding that everyone should remember their business cards to trade with fellow attendees. “It’s going to be businesses helping out businesses, and that’s what the chamber is trying to do.”

Anderson said the chamber has been hosting the Corks and Forks event for several years now, and it is usually a great time with a good turnout. Anderson said between 80 and 90 people usually attend, and she has already accepted 10 RSVPs for this year’s event, which leads her to have high hopes for this year as well. The event will feature appetizers from Whisk Bakery and a selection of wine from the Casa de Vino Winery. In addition, Anderson said it will also feature a selection of craft beers, following requests for the drinks from several attendees. In addition to the food and drink providers, other sponsors include the Residence Inn Marriott, Home Savings Bank, Paull Associates Insurance/Real Estate and Beck-Altmeyer Funeral Home.

“I’m really excited about this one. It’s just been great to put this together,” Anderson said, saying that she and Marketing and Event Coordinator Pam Rine have been working hard to make the night a good one. She added that she would love to start holding more events similar to Corks and Forks, giving businesses more chances to connect and giving people a chance to help make the community stronger through their unique stores and services.

“It’s one of the best events we have,” Anderson said. “People love to come to it.”

The annual Corks and Forks networking event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 27 at the Park Health Center in St. Clairsville. To get more information or RSVP, call 740-695-9623 or email administrator@stcchamber.com.