Gahanna-area businesses wanting to utilize more technology are invited to a free networking mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at People to My Site, 735 Taylor Road.

Gahanna's department of planning and development and TechColumbus are hosting the event that features resources and techniques to expand businesses through technology-based business innovation.

To showcase the technology resources and the innovation that is occurring in Gahanna, the event will be held at PTMS and will provide useful tools for integrating technology into everyday operations and increasing a businesses client base, productivity and efficiency.

"People to My Site is award-winning as a fast-growing technology company in central Ohio," said Sadicka White, Gahanna development director. "They will talk to businesses about how (technology) can affect the bottom line. We encourage businesses to attend who want to utilize technology more."

Gahanna's PTMS is a fully integrated, full-service marketing organization that offers a depth of Internet, marketing, sales, design and development experience.

During the networking mixer, Jennifer Ridenour, PTMS CEO, will discuss building a technology-based business in Gahanna and suggest how to best utilize Internet marketing to advance a business.

TechStart, central Ohio's entrepreneurial signature program, is led by TechColumbus and supported financially by Ohio's Third Frontier Program and 18 local partners. It provides early-stage funding and mentoring assistance to entrepreneurs with promising tech businesses throughout 15 central Ohio counties.

Representatives will provide information on program offerings, applicant eligibility, funds available and schedules for all available resources.

Anthony Jones, assistant development director, said the city has hosted events with TechColumbus.

"We try to have quarterly events on various topics partnering with the chamber, TechColumbus and other businesses," he said. "We have speakers come in who can provide specialized knowledge that would provide opportunities to Gahanna companies."

The Aug. 26 event is for current and future entrepreneurs, government officials, community leaders and resource providers. To register for this event, visit www.techcolumbus.org/technology-based-business-innovation-city-gahanna.

mkuhlman@thisweeknews.com