DSN Retailing Today: Hey, NWA … Are you ready for foam fest?

Tevian Rose, founder of Suppliers Connection, knows a thing or two about networking. Her business of facilitating corporate relocations, finding office space and smoothly transitioning people to life in Northwest Arkansas depends on it.

Through that process however Rose gained a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those relocating to the area. The relocation experience makes it difficult to meet new people and the situation is compounded if one spouse is working extensively following a job transfer and the other is staying home all day with the kids. As a result, Rose saw the need for an event that would bring people together and created "Friday3."

"We came up with the idea for Friday3 primarily to assist newcomers to the area who sometimes are not getting plugged into the community," Rose said. "There also are a lot more people coming here on a regular basis and living in extended-stay hotels than people realize. If you don't know anyone here and are working a lot it can get real old."

As the Friday3 name implies, events are held the third Friday of each month and each month features a different theme. The program began in March with a St. Patrick's Day theme followed by a martini bar/game night theme in April. Themes for future events are planned through February 2006 and include such intriguing topics as casino night, foam fest and do u saute?

Friday3 is billed as, "a night of fun," as opposed to a networking function so participants can leave the business cards at home, according to Rose.

"What we are trying to do is take the business out of it. If people want to talk about business they can, but we are not encouraging it. We are really trying to provide an avenue for people to meet other people," Rose said.

Tickets for the evening events cost $25 per person and $45 per couple, which includes dinner. Those interested are encouraged to visit www.friday3.com to view the schedule of upcoming events.

Tevian Rose, left and Susan Kennedy have created a welcoming social event for those new to Northwest Arkansas.