Business was good at the annual Business and Community Expo at Clarkston High School on Nov. 4.
‘There’s newer businesses this year,? said Sandra Schudlich, one of an estimated 1,600 visitors. ‘It seems to be a little bigger.?
She was right. The event had a record number of exhibitors, 120, compared with last year’s 109, according to Penny Shanks, executive director of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
Organizers had hoped to see about 2,000 people in attendance, but the rainy, blustery evening reduced that to an estimated 1,600. However, Shanks said there was a silver lining to the clouds.
‘They were really interested in the exhibitors? displays,? she said. ‘They weren’t just there for the freebies.?
And there were lots of freebies, with exhibitors offering pens, notepads, sports water bottles, coffee mugs and bags for carrying everything. Despite the lower number of visitors, the aisles were still crowded with people stopping to talk with the exhibitors.
‘It’s good to see the turnout,? said Tammy Brimacombe, who visited with her husband and daughter. ‘They did a great job.?
The expo has grown each year, and so has the creativity in the exhibits. The high school cafeteria means no height restrictions, and Shanks said exhibitors have been offered advice from professional consultants on how to create effective displays.
‘Our members are listening, because the displays were incredible,? she said.
Visitors also enjoyed food provided by the culinary arts program at the Oakland Technical Center-Northwest Campus, while lots of music and balloons added to the festivities.
Cyndy Candy of Magic 105.1 radio was on hand for part of the expo, and was a great drawing card, Shanks said. More than 90 door prizes were awarded, all valued at at least $25. Among the most valuable was a half-karat diamond from Tierra Fine Jewelers.
Such events are designed to promote more patronage of local businesses, and the chamber this year added a feature to extend future business possibilities. Those registering for door prizes were asked to provide a name, address or e-mail, to be compiled into a data base for exhibitors? future promotions.
‘We want very much to strengthen local businesses,? Shanks said, noting the expo theme of ‘Always Red, White and True Blue? as a philosophy to be promoted even after the expo.
‘It’s the local businesses that are the backbone of the country,? she said. ‘You don’t really know Clarkston until you know the local businesses.?
Shanks admitted another reason people came out.
‘A lot of people do it because it’s fun.?
In addition to the sponsors, who helped make the event possible, Shanks said a lot of credit goes to first-year expo chairman Ron Davis, Clarkston High School students who helped with setup and takedown, and to the Clarkston High School custodial staff for their ‘cheerful and helpful? presence.
‘This year I felt like we had gone to Disney World,? she said. ‘It was a wonderful exercise in teamwork.?