There’s a new gathering spot for Wayne County’s entrepreneurs, and it doesn’t cost a dime to join.
Wayne County Networking (WCN) is a free, referral-based business community founded by Dennis Alejo, owner of Instant Web Tools, LLC, a Richmond-based web design and digital marketing company. The group brings together business owners and decision-makers from across eight Wayne County communities — Richmond, Winchester, Liberty, Cambridge City, Centerville, Hagerstown, Fountain City, and Economy — for monthly meetups built around one goal: helping local businesses get found, known, and referred.
“A lot of small business owners feel like they’re on an island,” Alejo said. “WCN exists so people can put a face to a name, build real relationships, and send business to each other — without a membership fee standing in the way.”
That last point is a deliberate distinction. Unlike the other local meetup, WCN membership is completely free.
What members get
Every WCN member receives an SEO-optimized listing in the group’s online business directory, giving their business added visibility in local search results. Members are also regularly featured in blog posts and spotlights on the WCN website, and they gain access to a growing library of digital marketing resources members can pull from at any time.
Beyond the online presence, the heart of WCN is the in-person connection. The group meets on the last Thursday of every month from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Best Western Plus Conference Hall, 533 W Eaton Pike in Richmond — with seating capped at 30 to keep the room conversational rather than crowded.
Meetings typically include a Member Spotlight, guided round-table networking, and interactive activities designed to help attendees walk away with real leads rather than just business cards. A team of local leaders — including REALTOR® Alfredo Diamond, business consultant Jeremy Kean, Best Western Plus Owner Sam Patel, and community outreach specialist Tracia Duffey — help facilitate each session.
Room to grow
What started as a single monthly meetup in Richmond has become a hub connecting business owners across the county, and Alejo said he’s already looking at ways to expand the concept into neighboring counties as interest grows.
For business owners looking for an easy, no-cost way to get in front of more of their neighbors — and more customers — Wayne County Networking offers an open door.
Learn more or RSVP for the next meetup at waynecountynetworking.com
