By Kerri McDougald

(Dated: Spring 2004)

Lithia: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Moving from California, Alex and Heidi Oros wanted a community where they could raise their three children and have an all-inclusive development with trees, community center and schools on site. They found what they were looking for in FishHawk Ranch. In addition to a great family life, the Oros’ also found a way to start getting the name of their business into the community, by joining the business networking group that focuses on FishHawk Ranch Business owners. The FishHawk Area Networking Group, FANG has been meeting for almost three months at the community center. Every resident and business owner in the community is welcome to attend the weekly meetings held at the community movie theatre. Meetings are held every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Without hesitation, the Oros’, owners of Armoury Property and Mold Inspection Inc., joined the group and started to attend meetings. Being new to the community, the pair quickly connected with Wendy Maxwell, neighbor and owner of WMJ Embroidery, and embroidery company specializing in small business, RJ Reintjes, owner of Pinecrest Printing who can help the couple with business cards and an upcoming self stick note pad campaign.

“We joined FANG because we wanted to connect with people like us,” explains Heidi. “We wanted to get to know the residents of Fishhawk who have a common interest. We have had a wonderful transition after moving here from California and now, we look forward to working with our neighbors on a more personal level. Being new to the area, it's great to do business with the people you know.”

With 20 members, FANG restricts members to one per category but has already started a list for an additional group if the demand requires it.

President and founder Kerri McDougald, owner of All Mortgage Group says that this is a great way to network within the community. “This gives every business owner in FishHawk Ranch an opportunity to do business with a neighbor. We have 4,000 more homes to build in FishHawk and we will see a lot more business owners moving into the community.”

From home-based businesses including Usborne Books at Home to Signature Occasions, an event planning company, every business owner is welcome to join the group.

Anyone is welcome to attend a meeting of the group any Thursday. Starting in June, the group will also meet offsite at a predetermined business to either profile a member’s business or a highlight new area business.

To get the name of the group into the community, FANG members have printed directory brochures to be delivered to every homeowner in FishHawk Ranch. Membership is $75 for the year.

© 2007 FishHawk Area Networking Group 2007