Last night, on the television news magazine " 60
 Minutes", one segment was on the meeting at Davos,
 Switzerland 2010. The annual gathering of movers &
shakers in business, government and academia met 
once again in the remote Alpine village. Here, in a less
formal atmosphere and more causal setting, the most
influential people in the world seem to get things done.
     The World Economic Forum schedules many
meetings and discussion groups that are organized to
take place. However, I was struck by the repeated
observation by many of the participants interviewed
that getting together face-to-face was worth the trip.
One attendee even uttered the word " networking" as 
a prime function of the gathering.  Furthermore, the best
meetings often occur between meetings, as participants 
spontaneously bump into one another. Therefore,
face-to-face meetings in small groups or even one-on-one
can do more to foster dialogue and an exchange of ideas than
any other single method. This is especially true among these 
global players or heads of state that must deal with barriers 
that separate and divide them when the eyes of the world or
special interest groups demand certain rules of expected
behavior. With less attention in creating an appearence that
conforms to the expected norms of behavior, honest con-
versation can begin.
       This elite collection of high powered members is in a
leauge all by itself. However, the point is that networking,
used by any group, is usually  very effective. If it can work on a 
global scale, it can certainly work on a local scale in our much
smaller and humble world.
     We had 14 people today at our meeting at Panera in
Hauppauge this morning. Other Panera gatherings are held
in New Hyde Park, Rockville Centre and West Babylon. It is 
not uncommon for the West Babylon meeting to have at least
40 participants. Today new introductions took place, old
conversations continued. Plans and progress were made
between individuals.
      My thanks to our host, Panera Bread and to David Gussin
of 516ads/ 631ads ( www.516ads.com)  and Steve Cochrane 
( www.greetingcards.li ) who organize and conduct the Panera
morning networking groups.
     If you need help with your merchant services ( credit card 
processing ), please contact me. I can help you understand 
your merchant statement and what can be done to reduce your
cost.

     I am here to include you.

                     Marty Wisniewski
                     Total Payment Solutions LLC
                      ( 516 ) 639-6162
                       www.merchantservices.li