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closeTweetups combine social, physical networking
Gig Harbor group focuses on increasing communication
Nate Hulings
of the Gateway
Social networking in the digital age often begins and ends on a computer or cell phone. Ideas are shared and stories are told in a fleeting Tweet or a Facebook status update.
But for a group of Gig Harbor-area residents and business owners, they want to take the idea one step farther.
Tucked away in a conference room at the Inn at Gig Harbor last Thursday, 12 people got together to do what they love — interact.
The Gig Harbor Tweetup, which aptly combines the words Twitter and meet up, is a monthly meeting for locals to meet each other and network. The group has been meeting since May and averages about 15 people per session.
Gig Harbor Buzz, a local group of business people who are dedicated to promoting and growing the local economy, has been getting the word out about the Tweetups.
Rebecca Reece, one of Gig Harbor Buzz’s founders, said the goal of the group is to connect community members with local businesses.
“We want to be in the community,” she said.
From novice users to bona fide Twitterholics, the group spent most of its two-hour get-together having a beer or two, discussing Gig Harbor happenings, and, of course, tweeting.
Maura Desimone, a graphic designer, uses Twitter to promote her business and connect with experts on issues she values.
However, she said the chance to meet people face-to-face in a digital age is still important.
“Making that human connection is something people still need,” she said.
The social networking literacy of the group also is diverse.
Todd Martini, owner of Alex’s Coupons, said he’s been using Twitter since early 2007. He also claims to have been one of the first 10 Washington residents to use the site.
Martini uses Twitter to stay in contact with merchants, and he admits it’s basically the only way he keeps in contact with most people.
But for every Todd Martini, there’s a Vernon Young.
Young, 73, is trying to measure how he can promote EnviroCorps, a non-profit volunteer organization he founded.
“I’m still trying to find out how it (social networking) all works,” Young said.
Young and Martini spent some time discussing the nuances of Twitter and how to best use the site.
Norma Dompier, president of RedBike International, said she goes to Tweetups to have a casual evening with friends.
“It’s a way to meet people that aren’t business owners,” she said. “It’s just social.”
With a glass of red wine in hand, Dompier said it’s relaxing to just have a place to hang out and catch up with other locals.
When she first began to go to Tweetups, Dompier had used Twitter for one day. Meeting the people behind the tweets for the first time was almost surreal, she said.
“Oh my God, they’re real,” she joked.
The group meets once a month at a pre-determined location.
Tweetups have taken place both the Tides Tavern and the Inn at Gig Harbor.
Those interested in going to the next Gig Harbor Tweetup can follow Gig Harbor Buzz at www.twitter.com/gigharborbuzz.