The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County

Each time the bell rang, Lorrie Delk Walker and about a dozen men and women shuffled around a row of tables, searching for a new seat -- and a new partner.

With only 2 1/2 minutes to talk, Walker shared as much information as possible about herself, hoping to impress the person sitting across from her. But she wasn't aiming to strike a date -- nor was anybody else.

Fourteen people gathered at the Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro in Lakeland on Friday morning to make business connections during a speed networking event put on by the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Polk County that mirrored speed dating. The chamber hoped to connect its members with resources, as well as expose their services to nonmembers.

Instead of chatting about their likes and dislikes, participants boosted about their jobs, companies and products, hoping to strike business deals or team up in future activities. Bankers, university officials and event coordinators were among the ones that showed up.

"I have an opportunity to get a lot of contact in short time," said Walker, who in May started the Lakeland-based marketing company, Lorrie Walker Communications, Inc.

"I'm the only employee in my company. I want to make good use of my time."

There wasn't any stress to spark a love connection, but some anxiety filled the room as disoriented participants switched seats. It was a first for many people, including Iris Denizard, who never speed networked -- or speed dated.

"Everything is so fast," Denizard said.

"You can't tell [people] everything you do."

Denizard, owner of a Liberty Tax Service franchise in Lakeland, wanted to reach out to businesses that need help with accounting, bookkeeping and tax services.

Although not a new concept nationwide, Ana Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Chamber said, speed networking was a way to connect Polk County business leaders, particularly with Hispanics trying to build their business in the area. She plans to organize speed networking events at least once a month to give chamber members -- and nonmembers -- a chance to swap business cards. Friday's networking event was a first for the group, which was created in August.

Walker said working with the chamber gave her an opportunity to reach the Hispanic community. She hopes to help Spanish-language companies develop English-language Web sites, brochures and news releases.

"It's the fastest growing segment in the population," Walker said.

"They have a strong market hold . . . I understand the value of their business."


Elo�sa Ruano Gonz�lez can be reached at egonzalez@orlandosentinel.com or 407-931-5940.