I moved to Iowa from Austin, Texas in 2002.  I did home health marketing there and networking was very important to build your reputation within the community of healthcare providers.  When I moved here, I found virtually no networking amongst medical professionals, so I started my own group.  6 Years later I have a group that meets once a month in different locations for a lunch and learn, that features an incredible speaker.  No membership fees.  At this point I usually have about 60 healthcare professionals that come form Home health, Assisted Living, Nursing Facilities, DME/O2 providers, Case Managers, Hospice/Palliative Care, Financial Planners, Professional Organizers that help with downsizing homes, Professional recruiters, and other professionals that deal with the aging population. Competitors come together on neutral ground, and learn how to work together with each other and other healthcare industries within the continuum.  It is an excellent resource for referrals and job opportunities as well.