Photos by: Jayson Olthoff
If there was one word that captured the spirit of this week’s Coffee and Business gathering, it was connection.
Every Wednesday, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, business owners, professionals, and community members gather at Little Light Coffee Co & Mini Donuts for more than networking. They come to build relationships. This week’s discussion reminded everyone that the most valuable asset in business isn’t a product, a marketing plan, or even technology—it’s the connections we make with people.
More Than Just Networking
The room was filled with introductions from businesses representing industries ranging from insurance and bookkeeping to photography, banking, web development, branding, cleaning services, counseling, credit unions, notary services, and local artists.
Each introduction represented more than a business.
It represented another opportunity to build a relationship.
One of the strengths of CAB has always been that everyone, whether they’re attending for the first time or the hundredth, gets an opportunity to introduce themselves and share what they’re passionate about.
Eight Years of Connections
As CAB approaches its eighth anniversary this fall, I took a few moments to reflect on what these relationships have meant.
One story stood out.
Nearly eight years ago, I met Sally from the C.M. Russell Museum through CAB. That connection has continued over the years, and just this week I had the opportunity to interview the museum about its upcoming 100-year membership campaign.
It was another reminder that you never know where a simple introduction today may lead years down the road.
That’s what connection does.
It compounds over time.
Building Something Bigger
I also shared updates about the continued growth of We Are Local.
What started as a way to spotlight local businesses has grown into something much larger. Stories, business features, community coverage, events, directories, and resources are all coming together under one umbrella with a simple purpose:
Helping local businesses become known.
The mission remains the same—to give businesses a voice and create stronger connections throughout our community.
Supporting Local Together
Members also heard about several upcoming community events, including:
- Downtown Sidewalk Sale
- Farmers Market activities
- The Downtown Night Market
- Upcoming CAB After Hours gatherings
- New collaboration ideas, including a future CAB Paint Night
One of the best parts of CAB is seeing members brainstorm ways to support one another. Ideas don’t stay ideas for long—they often become collaborations.
Relationships Before Transactions
Toward the end of the event, someone commented that speaking the truth often brings criticism.
It was a timely reminder.
Building businesses.
Leading communities.
Supporting local.
Standing for what you believe.
None of it is always easy.
But connection has a way of carrying us through those challenges.
That has always been the heart of CAB.
We don’t gather every Wednesday simply to exchange business cards.
We gather because relationships matter.
Business grows through trust.
Communities grow through collaboration.
And lasting success almost always begins with a simple connection.
As CAB’s motto reminds us:
Relationships Before Transactions.
Sometimes, one conversation on a Wednesday morning can change the course of a business—or even a life.
