By Amy Widner of the Pine Bluff Commercial Staff

January 27, 2010...With its new Business at Lunch Time program kicking off today, the Greater Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce is getting back to basics.

Business men and women will get the chance to meet and share ideas in a friendly, bring-your-own sandwich atmosphere at the bimonthly events. The first will be held at noon today at the Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County, 510 Main St.

Chamber co-director Ann Williams said the program was organized in direct response to member feedback.

“Chamber members want to see the benefits of being a chamber member, and networking is the No. 1 thing we can offer them, and it’s what they’re interested in the most,” Williams said. “The chamber has 692 members - if you can get all of those folks, most or some of those folks in a room once a month - now that’s a powerful thing.”

Paul Kuykendall, an accountant with Newton, Owen, Boyd and Smoke Ltd., will be the guest speaker today.

“There are a few new things in the tax law this year; I’ll probably touch on a few of those,” Kuykendall said. “That and some things to keep in mind when you’re getting your documents together to take to your accountant this year.”

Williams said each of the meetings will feature a speaker talking about a timely topic - not necessarily business-related. With tax time fast approaching, Williams said the March meeting has been scheduled with a tax theme as well. Jennifer Graves with Edward Jones Investments will speak.

Williams said the current goal is to hold the meetings the last Wednesday of every other month. They will finish within the hour.

Business at Lunch Time joins other member-oriented events like Business After Hours, when a chamber member opens its doors to other Chamber members for food and fellowship in the late afternoon.

It all goes back to that basic goal of giving chamber members a forum to network with each other, Williams said.

“We’re trying to do something each month for the chamber members,” Williams said.

Chamber members should RSVP for the event by calling Jennifer Kline at 535-0110.