Join Professionals Amongst Referrals (PAR) in Des Moines, Iowa
Exclusive Executive Networking and Referral Group
Professionals Amongst Referrals (PAR) appreciates your interest in becoming part of our premier network. We provide opportunities for members to form valuable relationships with experienced business owners and leaders throughout Des Moines. We value new perspectives and business representation.
To ensure our members receive the most benefits from the group, our board undergoes a careful review process of potential new members. We extend membership to individuals who hold a leadership or executive role within an industry the group doesn’t already represent (to prevent competition) and who display outstanding demonstrations of integrity.
the membership process
To join and participate in PAR, new members must be recommended and sponsored by a current member. Our website contact form is available to reach out to the board to help start a connection if interested in joining.
The current member will share the candidate’s name and occupation with the group’s membership officer, who will then present their information to the executive board. The board will review the candidate’s information and ensure there will be no competition for business with current members. New members must also not be involved with other business reciprocity groups.
Should the board approve the candidate, they will also seek approval from the current members. If there are no objections, the group will invite the potential member to attend a breakfast or other social activity as a guest. If any current member objects, the group will not vote on the candidate’s membership.
If the group accepts the candidate, the sponsor who recommended the new member will contact them and officially welcome them to the group. The sponsor must also provide the new member with an official letter, a copy of the group’s bylaws, the current membership roster and data sheets, and a blank personal data sheet, which the new member should return to the group’s secretary.
Following their acceptance, the new member will also be scheduled to speak to the group as soon as possible so they can share their business and how fellow members can best provide value to them.
PAR Membership Expectations
PAR has developed several expectations for members so they can best support each other and ensure the group upholds its purpose of providing valuable business reciprocity. In addition to PAR’s strict one-business-per-industry rule, members who switch professions or industries to another member’s industry in the group must leave to prevent competition unless the member they would be competing with waives this requirement.
PAR Meeting Frequency and Programs
PAR meets every other Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. The location is most often Briarwood Country Club if a member does not host at their business. Breakfast is included with membership dues.
The secretary may approve alternative locations to showcase a member’s business.
About the Meetings and Social Events
During PAR’s biweekly meetings, members share about themselves, what’s new in their businesses, how group members can benefit from their business, and how their business can benefit from the group. Each member is responsible for talking at one meeting on a regular, equal, and rotating basis. New members give their first talk not only on their business but also on their personal responsibilities, background, and family.
In addition to regular meetings, PAR hosts several social events that often include members’ spouses or significant others. A former annual party is held near the beginning of each year, with dinner paid for by the treasury. The purpose of these events is for members to continue to get to know one another and form valuable, sincere relationships through additional interaction.
Inquire About Becoming a Guest or Member
Professionals Amongst Referrals (PAR) welcomes guests and potential members to learn more about the group and our guiding philosophy of business reciprocity. As a hub for executives, business owners, and influential decision-makers in Des Moines, members form genuine relationships based on providing mutual value, including quality customer referrals.
Our members are not only successful business leaders but friendly and helpful faces in their communities. Submit the form below to learn more about Des Moines’ premium professional networking group.