The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air of a banquet room buzzing with business. Between bites of quiche and sips of Starbucks, Federal Way's business professionals exchanged ideas and contact information at the Chamber of Commerce's monthly networking meeting, held last Wednesday at Marie Callender's.

"I see so much business flying around here today," Chamber Director of Member Services Rose Ehl told the Federal Way News during the breakfast gathering. Behind her, participants traded handshakes and business cards while others executed early-morning business transactions.

"Many of our member businesses have learned to patronize one another," Ehl said. "They learn who to go to for the things they need."

"We started hosting these networking meetings once a quarter," Ehl said, "but they started to grow in demand."

CEO Tom Pierson directed the first portion of the meeting, where each participant stood and gave a brief introduction of themselves and their business and promoted their products. Later, Pierson conducted a raffle that allowed three selected Chamber members the opportunity to advertise their business to a captive audience for five minutes.

"People really started telling us that they wanted to network more," Ehl said. "They kept saying that they wanted to make more connections in the business community."

Ehl said the Chamber developed the idea of networking breakfasts as a way to include more members, especially those whose schedules prohibit them from attending the organization's traditional lunch meetings.

"Some of our restaurant managers couldn't come to a luncheon," Ehl said, "but they might be able to make a breakfast."

The organization also hosts an event called Chamber After Hours, where members meet in the evening for wine, hors d'oeuvres, and networking.

These gatherings have become one of the most essential business tools for small companies, especially those like Three Chicks Catering, co-owned by Anemone Scarim.

Their business continues to improve, Scarim said, due in part to the contacts she has made through networking.

"By far," Scarim said, "this is one of the best methods we've found for bringing in business."

The charismatic marketing chick loves to get out early to the Chamber's breakfasts, mingling and passing out her business cards to prospective clients.

"When I first started the business," Scarim said, "I didn't know many people in the business community."

She sought the advice of a marketing tactics book that encouraged her to "conquer the Chamber."

While her membership has helped her earn clients, Scarim insists that she has to work diligently to find new ones.

"I've picked up a lot of business just by showing up and passing out my cards," she said, "but it's work."

"You can't just become a member and not go to the networking meetings," Scarim added. "You're just wasting your money."

As the Three Chicks strive to pick up new customers during these networking sessions, they also shop around and support other members.

From dry cleaning to real estate, marketing to junk removal, Scarim enjoys patronizing small businesses in the network. One of the greatest thrills of her job-besides taking on new clients, she interjected-is sending customers to other members.

"There's nothing more rewarding than finding referrals for someone," Scarim said. "It's a great feeling to know you've helped make that connection for people."