The 21st annual business card exchange at Tompkins VIST Bank’s Fox Chase Branch came with something extra: students from the Fox Chase Music School who provided a lively accompaniment to the networking activity.

About 50 people attended the recent event; they represented the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Rockledge Fox Chase Business Association and the Northeast Sunrisers Rotary Club.

“My staff and I look forward to hosting this event all year,” said Theresa Guldin, bank manager. “Despite the dominance of email and social media to do business, I think people realize the importance of meeting face to face.” To encourage networking, Theresa gave everyone an “assignment” to make sure everyone connected with a least one or two new people. She then encouraged them to follow-up after the mixer to see how far their new connections could go..

These events are part of Tompkins VIST Bank’s DNA, as is supporting the community. In fact, last month the bank sponsored and coordinated an event involving five chambers along the 422 business corridor. “Working together with each other makes us better business people and creates a stronger community, and the first step getting together,” said Theresa. “The music students performed was the icing on the cake,” she said, adding that the bank gave the school a donation in appreciation of their work.