Wenatchee Network Group

It was not your normal summer's day at the Wenatchee River county park. Canadian fires took hold of the sky, filling it with smoke, while the temperatures lingered in the high '90s. That didn't stop the enterprising souls of the Wenatchee Network Group (WNG) from gathering for a barbecue to celebrate the inherent fellowship of running a small business in modern times.
Tales of how charcoal was invented and talk about an electric "hand crafted" wood pellet barbecue brought by one member could be heard amid the joyful rants of running children. The soulful music of two guitar-strumming businessmen, Lance Tigner (On the Mend instrument repair and Robert Gilling, Sparkle Janitorial Service) - all this and more made a few hours on a Saturday afternoon well worth the effort as camaraderie ruled the day.
"It feels great to put aside the stress of the work-week and just relax with friends, family and mother nature," said Gilling.
"Our granddaughter Emma had a blast playing with her new friends," said proud grandparents Doug and Sandra Morger, (Eagle Home Mortgage and Numerica Credit Union respectively).
Wenatchee Network Group members brought both homemade and store-bought entrees, side dishes, deserts, drinks and snacks enough to more than feed the  group.
Much of the extra "grub," uncooked hamburgers, hot dogs and buns, was cheerfully donated to Hospitality House, aka the shelter for homeless men.
The WNG, made up of independent business owner-operators and representatives from larger companies, welcomes visitors to its Wednesday noon meetings in the Eagles Club on Wenatchee Avenue and encourages both independent and corporate business persons to join this informal gathering of like-minded entrepreneurs.
The purpose of the group is to refer business to one another and spread the word about business news of interest to other members and the community.
For more information on attending a meeting, being a guest speaker or joining this business organization, email Gene Schur of Gene's Home Services: gene@geneshomeservices.com or Scott Kruse of River View Electric: scott@riverviewelectricllc.com or Ken Mattson of Legal Shield: ksment45@gmail.com.
"Come visit a meeting and we'll treat you to lunch on us," said Sherry Gustin of Ameriprise Financial and secretary of the WNG. The Eagles Club kitchen features a traditional American fare menu, salad bar and an extensive drink selection available during all meetings.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles is located at 1208 N. Wenatchee Avenue across the street from the Salvation Army.
Note: The WNG rents a conference room from the F.O.E. and is not actually affiliated with the Eagles in any other way.