July’s EPIC Connect was an extra special one as we celebrated one year since launching our monthly business networking events – and what a year it has been!
Hosted by long-time Te Puke retailer Phil Booth from 100% Phil Booth & Beds, the evening brought together another fantastic group of local business owners, community organisations and familiar faces for a relaxed evening of networking, refreshments and plenty of conversation.
Since launching EPIC Connect last year, the events have continued to grow, with an average of around 23 people attending each month and more than 30 joining us for some of our biggest evenings. For us, that’s exactly what EPIC Connect is all about – creating an easy, informal opportunity for our local business community to meet, make connections, share ideas and find out a little more about what is happening around Te Puke.
Our July host was also the perfect example of the incredible businesses we have right here in our town. Phil has been serving the Te Puke community for more than four decades, first opening his Te Puke appliance store in 1983 after returning from Kawerau.
Over the years the business has grown and changed alongside the industry, expanding beyond appliances to include beds, all while remaining firmly focused on good old-fashioned customer service. Phil also paid tribute to his team, including Tom Howey, who had been with the business for more than 25 years, and current team member Brian Thompson.
During the evening, Sally shared a few updates on what’s coming up for EPIC, including our Father’s Day promotion, Great Te Puke Spring Clean, Te Puke Online and ways local businesses can get involved and support EPIC’s work in the community.
A huge thank you to Phil and the team at 100% Phil Booth & Beds for hosting us, and to everyone who came along. We love seeing EPIC Connect continue to grow and, one year in, it’s pretty cool to look back at the connections, conversations and collaborations that have come from simply getting people in a room together.
Here’s to year two!