A Southampton-Style Power Lunch

Every month the Southampton Business and Professional Association gets together to have some lunch, talk with other professionals in the area and listen to a speaker.

But it’s not just about networking. It’s about remembering their roots.

“We’re a group of business owners that believe in giving back to the community we work and live in,” said Liz Schaefer, President of the Southampton Business and Professional Association. “We have some residents that have joined in and retired (too)."

Former President Ray Greenberg said the group helps professionals stay connected with each other and the community.

“We build relationships with each other and we’re informed about what’s going on in the community,” he said.

Schaefer said there are two main causes the organization supports: the Dannenberger Foundation, which gives scholarships to local students, and Holiday lights around the township.

“We as an organization pay for putting up and taking down the lights on Second Street Pike,” she said. “People commonly think the township does it.”

Founded in 1953, the organization is open to all; business ownership is not a prerequsite.

Kim Ingram, the director of the Southampton Free Library, said the Business and Professional Association benefits her in promoting the library and building community relationships.

“I try to go to as many local groups as possible to sort of get the word out,” she said. “It’s surprising how many people don’t know the different services we’ve got.”

Ingram was by far not the only person at Tuesday's luncheon who didn’t own a business. Attendees and members ranged from bankers to retirees to someone who worked for Weight Watchers.

The Southampton Business and Professional Association gets has a lunch for members 11:45 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at .

Memberships cost $50 annually.

For more information about the Southampton Business and Professional Association be sure to visit the group's website.