A new group of local independent business owners is looking to grow its membership and will hold an open house next week. 

TradeNet, which includes many business owners in west Anne Arundel County, will hold the event at the Gambrills General Store on Monday from 6-7:30 p.m.

Anyone is welcome, but the group is specifically seeking sole proprietors or managers of independent businesses. 

TradeNet was created last year as a way for independent business owners to share ideas, offer support and to collaborate on community service activities.

Current members of TradeNet include the Gambrills General Store, Bear's Honeypot, the Little House of Flowers, and Walt Eger's Service Center, among others. The group meets most Tuesday mornings at the Gambrills General Store.