By Michelle Rodriguez

The Belton Journal

The Belton Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses by hosting monthly “lunch and learns.”

Recently, they switched to a monthly brunch-and-learn series called Business Bites & Insights that is the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the month. Each gathering will have a different topic and be tailored to the sponsoring business.

“It is an open-to-the-public event that connects business professionals with the public, offering valuable networking and educational opportunities. Each session features a workshop on a relevant business topic, giving attendees the chance to network and learn about local businesses,” said Alexis Sarinana, Director of Member Engagement for the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Local business owners sponsor the event and includes brunch, providing insights into the sponsors’ services, to help foster and strengthen the local business community. 

The first event was held on Oct. 16 and was sponsored by Universal Creative Concepts that focused on using Canva, a free-to-use online graphic design tool used to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, and logos to enhance business visuals. 

The second and most recent event was held on Nov. 13 at the Belton Chamber Office from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

These events are designed to foster a supportive local business community, offering both learning and networking opportunities in a relaxed, interactive setting.

The focus was on Holiday Harmony: Stress Less and Celebrate More. Brunch was provided by Dr. Micah Montgomery with Montgomery Chiropractic.

“Common symptoms of stress include anxiety/depression, fatigue, digestive problems, headaches, muscle tension, aches and pains, heart disease, heart attack, blood pressure and stroke, sleep problems, weight gain, problems with memory and focus, and low or no libido,” said Dr. Montgomery.

“Ways to treat stress are improving spine and nervous system function with chiropractic care, exercising for 30 minutes a day, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep, good nutrition, practicing yoga, or 10 to 15 minutes of meditation,” said Dr. Montgomery.

The next event will be “Sip, Frost, and be Merry: A Cookie Decorating and Wine Time” held on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Off the Rails Wine Bar at 201 N. East St. Ste. C in Belton. 

It will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will be sponsored by Off the Rails Wine Bar and Warm Cookie Company. The holiday-themed session includes a cookie decorating class, offering a fun, and festive way to celebrate the season while networking and learning.

Registration for the Business Bites and Insights meetings are free, but space is limited so a reservation is required. 

Those interested in attending should sign up online at the Belton Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.beltonchamber.com under the Events Calendar section, email Sarinana at alexis@beltonchamber.com, or call 254-939-3551.