"How did the Gainesville Networking Challenge get started?"
David DiEugenio and Bob Shrum were at a networking event having a beer discussing networking. How could they make networking fun and different? What restaurant would work best for the event? Saboré management agreed to be the host restaurant and plans came together for a trial event. David and Bob pulled together a team of motivated prof
essionals. Members of the first GNC Committee were Waly Vega, Jamie Shrum, Rosie Simmers, Yon Siemaszko, Erica Sundberg, Elisa Key, David and Bob. They started brainstorming on the name and what type of event would attract other business professionals. They were all nervous about the first event… would anyone come? 5:30pm came and things were slow… maybe 15 people. David and Bob just looked at each other and smiled. Before they knew it, by 6:00pm they counted about 62 business professionals. They didn't know it at the time, but it didn't take long to be recognized as one of the best networking events in Gainesville. Committee:
Bob Shrum - Co-Founder, Organizer, Promoter
David DiEugenio - Co-Founder, Printing, Promoter
Waly Vega - Saboré Manager
Jamie Shrum - FaceBook Admin, Promoter
Rosie Simmers - Door Prize Announcements, Promoter
Bobby McAfee - Video Support, Idea Guru, Promoter
Jennifer Moff - Social Media Support, Welcome Announcements, Promoter
Cynthia DeSimone - Sponsorship Recruiting, Promoter
Kristin Kozelsky - GNC Photographer, Promoter
