Network After Work -Detroit Metro is Celebrating Its 1-year Anniversary Helping Business Professionals Make Connections Wednesday, June 15 from 6-9 p.m.

DETROIT, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of Metro Detroit area professionals have discovered the best way to expand their networks, create new business relationships, and build their brands. The one-year anniversary celebration will have gift bags for the first 200 guests, complimentary drinks and light appetizers for an hour starting at 6 p.m.

"Human contact is a lot more powerful than Facebook or LinkedIn for creating new lasting connections. While social media is important, here you get a chance to actually meet professionals face to face," says James Miller, founder of Network After Work "Professionals are able to mingle, and make connections they otherwise wouldn't be able to make."

Miller is very familiar with the area since he grew up in Michigan. Miller founded the company in Chicago but quickly came to Detroit to begin networking events since this is where he has roots and he saw the opportunity as a great one.

The company is working on launching 16 locations around the United States. "I have a special connection here, and with friends that I grew up with and knew that professionals in Detroit would appreciate a unique way to meet others and help each other and watch businesses benefit from the experience."

The company has grown quickly, with more than 36,000 members. Miller credits that success to word of mouth.

"Starting a new business is hard enough but finding the right people to network with is even harder. My business has taken off because of the relationships that I have created through this organization," says Randolph Simpson, who has helped spread the word to colleagues and friends in various industries.

Network After Work hosts monthly events, with a low admission fee, hosted in a relaxed atmosphere, which allows guests a chance to expand their professional networks and create new business opportunities. "We will be offering chair and hand massages. We are expecting this to be a huge, fun celebration," says co-founder Samantha Ballenger.

The Network After Work-Detroit Anniversary event is on Wednesday, June 15th from 6-9 p.m. at South Bar, 210 S. Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009

Admission for the anniversary event is $10 pre-pay, $15 with RSVP at the door, and $20 at the door without RSVP. www.NetworkAfterWork.com

SOURCE Network After Work