Those looking for a way to unwind from election year stress may find a solution closer than imaginable.
The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce 2004 Business and Community Expo is Thursday, Nov. 4 from 5-8 p.m. at Clarkston High School. This year’s theme is ‘Local Clarkston Businesses are Always Red White and True Blue.?
The 18th Annual Expo will once again feature over 100 exhibitors, more than 100 free door prizes valued at about $25 a piece and more than 2,000 spectators.
‘Here is a one stop place where you can meet and learn about the community,? said Penny Shanks, Chamber of Commerce executive director, ‘and not just the community in general, but the cornerstones of the community. The businesses that enable the community to live and thrive.?
The Expo will open with the Business Social Hour from 5-6 p.m. for exhibitors only. An admission ticket or exhibitor’s pass is required. The is a chance for exhibitors to view the many booths and chat among themselves.
‘We want to make sure that the business focus is from 5-6 p.m.,? emphasized Shanks.
However, early birds won’t be left waiting in the wings. Starting promptly at 5 p.m., Cyndy Canty from Magic Radio 105.1, the Jim Harper Morning Show, will entertain visitors with interactive games, prizes and music.
At 6 p.m. the doors officially open the public. Visitors can enjoy the wide variety of displays available. In previous years, participating companies included home builders with a model room on display, banks holding a money grab, web designers offering free t-shirts and floral designers setting up full wedding or banquet designs. The many booths will offer everything from free demonstrations to opportunities to learn about area social and service organizations.
‘Many of the booths will have dynamic displays that are interactive,? added Shanks. ‘This is so incredible.?
For those displaying these entertaining booths, the Clarkston High School Marching Band will once again assist with setup. Starting at 3:30 p.m., the marching Wolves will tote, lug and move all exhibitor products.
According to Shanks, the students participate every year to raise money for their upcoming trips. The Chamber has agreed to pay so much per student per hour; however, Shanks said anyone wishing can offer the workers tips.
‘Often these students won’t even take the money. They’ll say, ‘No thank you. I’m being paid,?? she continued. ‘They are so honest. But they can use all they can get so it never hurts to offer.?
The Oakland Technical Center’s Culinary Arts Program will again provide the food. As always, the business social hour will feature meal-worthy appetizers, such as rolled sandwiches, and finger trays. At 6 p.m., the evening will switch to bite-sized desserts.
‘The students view this as a wonderful opportunity to have a hands-on, real world business experience,? said Shanks. ‘The display itself is always stunning.?
Shanks emphasized though a few changes taking place this year.
The most important is the new admission process. This year, organizers are asking visitors to fill in a free ‘Admit One? entry card. The card enters participants into drawings for the more than 100 free door prizes, instead of visitors buying door prize tickets. The entry form asks visitors to provide some information, including a preferred method of contact. For those not wishing to fill in a card, the admission charge is $5 at the door and they will not be entered in the prize drawings.
‘It’s an opportunity for the businesses to be able to do a follow up after you’ve seen their booth,? explained Shanks. ‘This information is only shared with our exhibitors and no one else. You get to choose how you want to be contacted. Or, you don’t have to fill one out at all.?
The other primary change is strollers will not be allowed inside the Expo. Shanks said with so many visitors attending the event, the strollers make a fire code and safety hazard. ‘We simply feel safer not having them in the building.?
The Expo wraps up for exhibitors at 8:15 p.m. with the Expo Afterglow ‘Business After Hours,? at Liberty Golf and Banquet. The event is free to exhibitors and $15 for additional guests.
So what are organizer’s goals for this year? Simple – provide exhibitors with even more contact with their perfect potential customer.
‘This is really an opportunity to learn about and meet the life blood of our community. I encourage everyone to discover this great event,? concluded Shanks.