As temperatures drop, local golf tournaments will begin to wind down and lessen.

So what's the lesson? Relationships are built, deals are closed and connections are made on the golf course - all while benefiting local organizations.A number of business professionals hit the golf course beginning in the spring participating in various charitable tournaments throughout the County.It is a great way to step out of the office and enjoy fresh air, beautiful surroundings and networking opportunities.Robert G. Hetten, account executive from the Seltzer Group and an Ambassador for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber says, "Networking on the golf course is similar to any other networking and advises participants to:(1) be personable and interested(2) ask quality questions about what your teammates may be working on in their business(3) ask if there is any way you can help or offer a connection to someone who can help(4) ask for a meeting to further discuss and(5) share your personal background using real life examples and stories."Hetten participates in tournaments and has benefited by building relationships, helping others and bringing solid clients on board for his business.A golf tournament has a number of moving parts throughout the day beginning with a registration process, great meals to fuel up, free give-a-ways, prize opportunities through fundraising efforts, and rules for the day as you hit the course with your fellow business professionals.There are hole-in-one prizes, contests and special features during the day of play.In addition, local businesses have an opportunity to participate as well.Chad Butters, owner of Eight Oaks Distillery, participates as a vendor and sets up shop during local golf tournaments to help get the word out about his business."It is a great way to tell our story and share our product with face to face discussions in a fun way."Owner Shelley Roberts from Jim Thorpe Massage and Wellness Studio cannot agree more. "Participating in the Carbon Chamber's golf tournament by giving complimentary chair massages was a great way to introduce ourselves to the business community and help players distress before the event."Tournaments are host to a number of great partnership opportunities:1. Business professionals have the opportunity to network2. The host golf club has the ability to showcase their facility3. Sponsors have an avenue to market their business4. The host organization has a great opportunity to fundraise5. Local businesses have the ability to promote their service and productsSo when you see the invitation, remember all that you are doing to support local business while participating in a fun and fresh air kind of way.Special thanks to everyone who supported and participated in the CCEDC Golf Tournament at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club in September.The sun was shining, the course was buzzing with activity and our participating businesses benefited from the day.Mark your calendar as we head up north in 2017 and plan to join us on Sept. 15, 2017, at Jack Frost National.