The Northside North Shore Chamber serves the business community in and around the Northside and has been doing so since 1897. We currently have 390 member businesses, and we serve them by promoting, connecting, and supporting.

Next month, you’ll be introduced to the chamber’s new executive director! For this month, we’d like you to get to know our Member Relations Manager, Patrick Bendel.

Q&A with Patrick Bendel

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

My background is quite diverse. I went to school for business and public administration and picked up my teacher certification along the way. In addition to teaching, I spent several years in the staffing industry and more recently the nonprofit world, which led me to the Northside Chamber!

What is something about you that people would be surprised to learn?

It might come as a surprise to some folks that I am the Founder of the Door Holders Association. Those that know me probably already have their DHA card. It is an organization that focuses on the kind and simple gesture of holding doors open for people. Check out our Facebook page!

What are your primary responsibilities?

The primary responsibility of the Member Relations Manager is to help promote, connect and support businesses. Each business is unique, and I try my best to find ways for each member, large or small, regardless of industry, to maximize their membership.

What do you find most rewarding about working with the chamber’s members?

The term “salt of earth” would be a great way to describe the members of the Northside Chamber, and the people of the Northside for that matter. Our members are hardworking, care about the community and often look for ways to help and support their fellow members.

What are some of the key benefits that members can expect from joining the chamber?

How much time do we have? The chamber offers something for everyone! The networking events, particularly the morning Coffee and Contacts, have grown exponentially in popularity. The chamber loves to promote, and our weekly Take 5 newsletter goes out to over 2,000 residents, organizations, and businesses. The NorthsideWorks! program is a great way to connect job-seekers and employers. And the new Dining and Culture Guide provides an array of places to dine and visit on the Northside.

How do you see the role of the chamber evolving in the next few years?

The chamber’s membership has quadrupled in the past six years. With that growth, the chamber has increased impact with our Northside-wide efforts in workforce development, travel and tourism, and public safety. Most importantly, the chamber is a credible and respected voice for the business community on the Northside.

What advice would you give to new members to make the most out of their chamber membership?

I would say to make a plan and get involved. Attending an event, promoting their business or keeping informed are great ways to get the most out of the membership.

Members

Renewed members: The following 22 companies or organizations renewed their investment in the past month: A1 Concrete Leveling, Bidwell Training Center – Drew Mathieson Greenhouse, CLW Professional Services (Notary), Colliers Engineering & Design, Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, Danielle Graham Robinson, Lindenmeyr Munroe, Mascaro Construction Company, Mattress Factory, MCG Jazz, Nazareth Prep at Holy Family Institute, North Side Christian Health Center, Penn Brewery, PNC Bank, POH Architects, Print Management, Sarah Heinz House, Spring Garden Lending Group, The Mastilak Wealth Management Group – Stifel, The Residences @ The Garden, Third Ward Architecture, and WorkWell Occupational Medicine

New members: We were pleased to welcome the following 12 companies or organizations as new members in the past month: AGH Auxiliary, Bean & Barrel, Branching Design, Chesley Brown International, Don’s Appliances, The Foundry Table & Tap, Hecklick Consulting, Modern Office Methods, Neighborhood Learning Alliance, Rainbow Passage, The Northside Chronicle, and W AY W ellness Center

If you’d like to discuss how the chamber can benefit your business, please reach out to Patrick Bendel, Member Relations Manager, at (412) 670-9862 or patrick@northsidechamberofcommerce. com.

Upcoming events

The Northside Chamber has regular events that are open to the public. Whether you’re interested in networking or just want to see the event spaces, we invite you to join us!

• Aug. 13, 8-9:30 a.m. — Coffee & Contacts (morning networking) — Allegheny Center Alliance Church
• Sept. 9, 9 a.m. — Annual Charity Golf Outing — Green Oaks Country Club
• Sept. 10, 8-9:30 a.m. — Coffee & Contacts (morning networking) — City of Asylum
• Sept. 26, 5:30-7 p.m. — In Your Business (after-work networking) — Allegheny City Brewing

A full calendar is on the chamber’s website.

Learn more about the chamber by visiting our website (www.northsidechamberofcommerce.com), contacting us (412-231-6500, info@northsidechamberofcommerce. com) or stopping into our office on Middle Street in Deutschtown.