ARLINGTON — Two area networking groups are kicking off the first of a series of events aimed at increasing commerce in the Arlington and Marysville communities.

North Sound Professionals, along with Arlington Business Builders, will be holding a wine tasting and networking event at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Arlington Windermere Real Estate office, located at 210 E. Burke Ave.

Cost for tickets is $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Proceeds benefit Fresh Start Ministries, an outreach organization that helps individuals whose lives have been affected by chemical dependency, crime or past abuse.

Space is limited and organizers encourage interested community members to reserve tickets as soon as possible.

Checks can be made out to Fresh Start Ministries and mailed to Joan Dixon-Schmidt, 9711 169th Drive NE, Granite Falls WA 98252.

North Sound Professionals, organized by President Pam Burley, meets the third Wednesday of each month. The group can be found on Facebook.

Arlington Business Builders is a group of local, non-competitive business owners and entrepreneurs. The group, which can be reached by visiting www.meetup.com/arlingtonbusinessbuilders, meets twice a month at Petite Sweet in Arlington and at Boondocker’s Restaurant in Marysville.

For more information about the meet up, call Elly Cyr at 425-501-4006 or Pam Burley at 425-737-7081.