If you have ever watched a bee visit flower to flower in your garden, you understand how this species is vital for the garden’s life. This same principal should be applied to the community of business and development. Cross pollination is essential in our region as small businesses struggle to prosper and evolve to the needs of the consumer.

Located in the southern tier of Venango County, Emlenton is a community like many others in our region that requires connectivity to other businesses for survival.

One business, The Barnard House Bed and Breakfast, is striving to promote the special qualities that make the valley unique.

A Mother’s Day Tea themed “Women Celebrating Women” and planned for May 11 has been uniquely created by 11 regional businesses found in Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Sharon and Venango Counties. These 11 businesses are owned or co-owned by women.

When businesses share in the development and creation of an event, there is so much more to offer the consumer. The Mother’s Day Tea is beautifully set in an aesthetic and intimate atmosphere along the river. The event will feature items prepared by Chef Don Ras and 70% of the foods served will be regionally grown and produced.

It is their hope that other businesses in our region will continue cross pollination in other venues. To learn more about this style of networking or to make a reservation for this event, please call (724) 867-2261.

The 11 business involved in this event include: Core Goods, DiVani Chocolatier, Do The Macarona, Going With The Grain, Grateful Life Farm, Mirakai Farm, Plot Twist Farm, Sandra Jackson Photography, Stella’s Sundries, The Singing Sparrow, and The Barnard House Bed ‘n Breakfast.

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s April 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.