The gorgeous grounds of Stow House were the setting for the Chamber's Business After Hours networking mixer on May 19. Dozens of Central Coast business professionals chatted in the warm early evening sunshine, enjoying delicious food, wine and live music by Spanish guitarist Tony Ybarra.

Our "Trade Show Row" was the biggest one to date, with 11 vendor exhibits, including four non-profits: Optimists International, Rotary Club, Senior Planning Services and Special Olympics. The business exhibitors were: Ameravant Web Design, Complete Nutrition (a brand-new Chamber member fresh from their ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier that day), Del Hegland of New York Life, Design Infusion Gallery, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Dr. Kara Gochnour Aldrich of Santa Barbara Wellness for Life and Silent Pictures Custom Framing.

After attendees were welcomed by Chamber President Kristen Amyx, they heard from Goleta Historical Society Executive Director James Kyriaco Jr. and Dacia Harwood, Events & Marketing Director for Rancho La Patera & Stow House, who acknowledged the generous vendors that made the event so special. Refreshments served included wine from Carina Cellars, beer from Hollister Brewing Co. and appetizers from Country Catering (all participating in the upcoming Fiesta Ranchera on July 15). Rentals were sponsored by Eventrents.

Mary Beth Carty, representating event co-host and Chamber sponsor Venoco, also made a few remarks. The next Business After Hours will be on June 16 at Santa Barbara Airbus' beautiful new location, from 5:00-7:00 pm. See you there!