Almost one quarter down for 2010! This month, RCP visits the new expansion at Mosaic for a fun evening of food and networking. Our March partner is Connections to Success, a community of programs working to realize a mission of empowering determined individuals with a plan and resources to achieve economic self-reliance. Hope to see you there!
 
The Details:
> Tuesday March 16th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm
> Mosaic – 1001 Washington Ave
> In partnership with Connections to Success
> Sponsored by Boulevard 
> RSVP by Friday, March 12th to www.rivercityprofessionals.org

We are making some changes to our technology! A special thanks goes out to Miken Technologies for their help in implementing a new email system! This is something that we have been struggling with for quite some time and Miken showed why they were voted Best IT Firm by Small Business Monthly with their professionalism and dedication to the community. Be sure and check them out at www.miken.net!

With the new system, we now have the capability of allowing members to maintain their own profiles (change email, update company info, etc.) as well as offer opportunities to recieve more targeted communications. We will, unfortunately, lose the ability to send personal reminders based on your RSVP status for a bit while we work to rewrite the RSVP system. Please be patient and let us know if you experience any bugs or have suggestions to improve our workflow.

Also, with new technology, comes new costs. In the past our operational expenses were either covered by in-kind donations, sponsor dollars or self funded. With the state of the economy, resources have become less available. Tony and I are committed to keep RCP membership and events free and look for creative ways to cover costs. With that, we are instituting a “Virtual Tip Jar” in order to help fund the new technology. If you find value in RCP, throw us a couple of dollars! There is no obligation or suggested amount, so consider donating today!

Thank you for your understanding and patience in our transition.

Another exciting new venue for RCP! This month we head Downtown to visit the brand new Lola on 14th street which promises to be the place to gather, socialize, and relax! Our partner for February is the Central Institute for the Deaf, whose mission is to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing to listen, talk, read and succeed.
 
The Details:
> Tuesday February 16th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm
> Lola – 500 North 14th Street
> In partnership with Central Institute for the Deaf
> Sponsored by Boulevard Brewing Co, Miken Technologies & Windows 7
> RSVP by Friday, February 12th to www.rivercityprofessionals.org

Welcome to 2010! Get set for a great year of networking and opportunity. This month, RCP visits the newly renovated Sol Lounge in partnership with Safe Connections which provides a place where relationship violence and its long-term effects are addressed in complete confidence and security.

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The Details:
> Tuesday January 19th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm
> Sol Lounge – 4239 Lindell Boulevard
> In partnership with Safe Connections
> Sponsored by The St. Louis Business Journal, Blue Moon, Miken Technologies & Windows 7
> Food by Barrister’s
> RSVP to www.rivercityprofessionals.org

Another year comes to a close and that means it is time for the White Elephant Gift Exchange! This year we are heading down to The Old Rock House for a fun evening in partnership with the Young Friends of the Saint Louis Science Center for networking and some amazing science demonstrations.

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The Details:
> Tuesday December 15th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm
> The Old Rock House – 1200 South 7th St
> In partnership with Young Friends of the Saint Louis Science Center
> Sponsored by Miller Lite
> White Elephant Gift Exchange
> RSVP by Friday, December 11th to www.rivercityprofessionals.org

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White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules:

The idea is simple and gets the room moving and mingling. Most people trade upwards of 10 times just to meet as many people as possible! The rules are:

1. Take that old hula dancer salt shaker that you got from Uncle Al last year, tape your business card to it and wrap it (business card under the wrapping).

2. Bring it to the December River City Professionals networking happy hour. We will put it in the pile and give you a claim ticket with a number.

3. At 6:30 pm, we will call people up in groups of 10 by numbers to grab a gift. DON’T OPEN IT YET.

4. After everyone has a gift (still unopened) we will start the trading. You will have 15 minutes to work the room, trading and meeting people. Make the most of the opportunity!

5. After the 15 minutes, an announcement will be made and you can open your gift. Your next task is to look at the business card and find the person who gave it to you and get the story behind the gift!

Be creative, be tasteful (PG-13 gifts) and have a story to tell! Also be sure to come early so we can start promptly at 6:30.

Each November, RCP starts off the holiday season by giving at our November event. This year, we will be teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Mo to help out the families served by their organization. In the past we have hosted toy drives but this year, due to the economic  downturn, we are asking for donations of hats and mittens to help the Littles through the cold season.
 
The Details:
> Tuesday November 17th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm
> Chuy Arzola’s – 3701 Lindell Boulevard @ The Coronado
> In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MO
> Sponsored by Corona Extra
> Hat & Mitten drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MO
> RSVP by Friday, November 13th to www.rivercityprofessionals.org

October is here and we are heading to the Grove to visit chef Phillip Noe’s marvelous restaurant, Mia Rosa. Be sure and arrive early and enjoy appetizers and samplings of our sponsor, Peroni!

The Details:

> Tuesday October 20th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm
> Mia Rosa – 4501 Manchester (The Grove)
> In partnership with GenNEXT
> Sponsored by Peroni
> RSVP to www.rivercityprofessionals.org

Be sure and stop by the Science Center this weekend for year two of SciFest! This amazing weekend features sessions highlighting the relevance of science in our daily lives in fun, engaging ways.

From their website: “From the chemistry of coffee and the physics of race cars, to the future of genetic diagnosis and a journey through the universe, SciFest 09 is festival where everyone can engage in science.”

Tickets for sessions range from $6 – $10 and feature local and national presenters. More information at www.scifeststl.org.

October is fast approaching which means it is time for Connect With… 2009! Connect With… is the regions young professional collaborative, offering you the opportunity to learn about over 40 young professionals organizations and ways to get involved in the community.

Be sure and join us on Wednesday, October 7th starting at 5:30pm at the new Hotel Indigo for a great evening! For more details visit www.connectwithstl.com.

Great turnout to support our veteran small business owners! Thank you evenryone who made it out on a beautiful evening. The food and hospitality was amazing at The Scottish Arms. Pictures are available online so go check them out. Next event will be at Mia Rosa on October 20th in partnership with GenNEXT.

Also, a special thanks go out this month to Miken Technologies for their help redesigning our email newsletter to be easier to read across all email systems! This is something that we have been struggling with for quite some time and Miken showed why they were voted Best IT Firm this year by Small Business Monthly with their professionalism and dedication to the community. Be sure and check them out at www.miken.net!