Andrew Clark is tired of networking events where participants simply exchange business cards and move on.

He and a handful of other business owners and entrepreneurs decided they wanted more out of networking, so they developed an alliance called Above the Line America. The group is one that Clark, president of CreateWOWmarketing LLC and one of four advisory members, hopes will foster open communication among participating businesses.

“Small businesses and large businesses alike really need to stop worrying so much about the negative impacts of networking and really start networking on an open level,” Clark said. “Really what we’re trying to do is grow a mindset that gives people the power to honestly network amongst each other and share resources.”

To make the initiative unique, Above the Line is holding quarterly Business Growth Summits, the first of which is Jan. 31. Speakers at the event include Tony Brigmon, former “ambassador of fun” at Southwest Airlines Co., Geoff Wood, chief operating officer at Silicon Prairie News, and Jordan Lampe, director of communications at Dwolla Corp.

In between speakers will be business planning sessions, designed for attendees to talk about what they learned from the previous speaker and how to apply it to their businesses.

Part of that process includes putting goals on paper, with the theory that they can share their progress and challenges at the next quarterly meeting. Above the Line also plans on having monthly get-togethers to discuss topics that interest its members.

“It will all be driven by the members,” Clark said. “It won’t be driving anyone’s specific business.”

There is no fee to become a member, but there is a $199 charge to attend the quarterly events, with discounts for businesses that want to bring groups.

“Really the ultimate goal for Above the Line America is to build that community,” Clark said. “It has nothing to do with getting business for these people. Will business be done? Sure. We all hope so. Ultimately our goal is to help grow, and really to position Iowa and Central Iowa companies as the thought leaders that they are.”