Reno + Sparks Chamber Helps Local Entrepreneurs Make Connections

Courtesy of Sparks Water Bar

Since 1919, the Reno Chamber of Commerce has championed businesses across the region. Adding Sparks in the 1970s helped the organization grow to be the largest business organization in northern Nevada. Today, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce represents more than 2,300 companies and organizations that employ more than 120,000 people in Washoe County.

Meeting the Right People

Like similar organizations, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce leverages its collective buying power to help business owners afford comprehensive insurance packages for their employees and even 401(k) retirement plans. But where the Reno + Sparks Chamber really shines is in the networking opportunities it provides to its members.

Whether through leadership programming, professional development and training, the CHAMBER EDU series, citizenship classes, green business certifications or social events, the Chamber offers unique peer-to-peer learning experiences. These types of encounters help emerging business owners create new relationships. And established businesses that choose to nurture those relationships may find that connectivity and personal interactions aid in their long-term sustainability and growth.

Forging connections with other business owners has been helpful for entrepreneurs like Amber Ezell-Bisiaux, who finally decided to pursue her passion in 2019, launching Ezell Images Photography Studio in Reno.

“Within the first year of launching my portrait studio, I joined the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce,” Ezell-Bisiaux says. “I attend almost every function of the Chamber and focus on building connections with members. I am there to listen to those whom I work with and learn about them as individuals.”

Sparks Water Bar founder Tom Turner joined the Chamber before he opened the doors of his restaurant.

“We joined the Chamber in 2019,” Turner says. “I wanted to get our name out there, and there’s not much you can do while you’re closed, so we decided to do some networking while under construction.”

Since opening in 2021, Sparks Water Bar has been involved in Chamber programming, including hosting several “Business After Hours” events that attract up to 200 attendees.

“Folks come in, they say, ‘Wow, nice spot,’ they walk around, and they shake hands — that’s how you meet people, and that’s where those connections start,” he says.

Ezell-Bisiaux says she’s been able to broaden her network beyond typical business contacts, as well. “Being out in the community and developing alliances with local nonprofits has been a tremendous help in deepening connections,” Ezell-Bisiaux says.

Courtesy of Sparks Water Bar

Set on Support

The support doesn’t end with the Chamber’s resources and active representation of its members. Both Ezell-Bisiaux and Turner point to government employees who helped pave the way for their respective successful businesses.

“Applying for business licenses is easy. Everyone at every office is so nice if you need help,” Ezell-Bisiaux says. “Reno is the ‘Biggest Little City,’ which makes it so easy to make connections, and those lead to more connections. It’s perfect for growing a business.”

Turner agrees. He says Sparks officials were incredibly helpful when it came to organizing important documents. He recalls asking one clerk if he could film her working so he could show other municipalities “how it’s done.” 

“They’ve been supportive every step of the way,” he says.

For those new to the Chamber, Ezell-Bisiaux suggests approaching the experience with an open mind and open heart.

“When you go in with the mindset that you are making friends with those around you, people trust you,” she says. “Trust is the single most important aspect of my business because getting portraits taken can be a vulnerable process.”

Both business owners have had a great experience building their businesses in the Reno-Sparks area.

“The migration to the region has been huge,” Turner says. “The population is growing; the climate is great; the employee base is great. There are plenty of people here who support small businesses.”

Ezell-Bisiaux also finds the vast support helpful. “This is a great place to start a business. The community is strong, and it truly feels like everyone wants you to succeed,” she says.

“Value making connections, and you will be successful. Get out there and make it happen by joining the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce.”