Business professionals have chance to breathe during wine-tasting Member Meetup event, co-sponsored by Vino Divino School of Wine and Tekie Geek

Red and white wines along with Staten Island business professionals had the chance to breathe during the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s spring Member Meetup event.

Vino Divino School of Wine joined the Chamber last year and was excited to host the wine tasting event for Chamber members. Although the Charleston facility has been in business for 17 years, staff say they are still relatively unknown within the Staten Island community.

“I wanted to try a new promotion instead of taking out an advertisement in the local newspaper. I felt after joining the Chamber, hosting would enable me to meet new people and see some new faces. This way, people can see the facility and understand what I do here,” said winemaker Robert Rispoli.

The relaxed setting offered attendees the opportunity to network with other businesses and share ideas. Meanwhile, Rispoli spent his evening supplying details and pouring samples of 17 different varieties of red, white, imported, and domestic wines which are crafted and bottled on site.

In addition to the detailed wine information, Rispoli had the chance to inform attendees about other offerings at the Industrial Loop facility. He mentioned how the facility hosts two big wine tastings during the year (a Chilean and South African Harvest Party on April 26 and a California Harvest Party in August), four mozzarella-making classes, four olive oil classes, and a comedy night on June 2. 

Tekie Geek – the Eltingville company which provides IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses -- was co-sponsor of the Member Meetup.

“I’ve been a Chamber member for almost six years, and I’ve always wanted to sponsor a mixer, but I never had the opportunity because we’re a home business. I was happy to partner with Rob for this event and promote our company,” said Mike Bloomfield, President at Tekie Geek.

The partnership between Vino Divino and Tekie Geek serves as a great example of how the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce connects members to different businesses. Bloomfield said he met Rispoli through the Chamber which eventually turned into a working relationship for the duo.

“With the Chamber, it’s all about networking. It’s about the connections, the friends you make, and the ongoing networking opportunities,” said Bloomfield.