The 19th Annual Business and Community EXPO for the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce is Nov. 3 in the Clarkston High School Cafeteria.
‘Business fuels the local economic engine,? said Ron Davis, EXPO Chairperson. ‘The EXPO is our chamber’s signature networking event. The evening is dedicated to doing business better.?
Penny Shanks, chamber executive director, expects a large turnout.
‘We expect over 100 exhibitors and over 1,200 visitors this year. We’ve consistently hit those numbers for the past five years in a row,? Shanks said.
The EXPO is a chance for businesses that are part of the chamber to showcase their products and services to the community.
‘The public gets a chance to visit the exhibits and gain valuable information about the businesses and service providers that are the cornerstones of the community,? said Chamber Event Enthusiast/Planner Terri Bendes.
Bendes said this year’s EXPO will have more emphasis on establishing important networks between local business owners and the community. Business owners have the opportunity to make lasting contacts with other businesses for mutual benefit. Bendes said the chamber’s goal is to provide the best services possible to exhibitors and visitors.
Additionally, representatives from local groups, such as the Rotary and Optimists, will be available to provide information on their organizations.
According to Bendes, people find the nonthreatening atmosphere of the EXPO the ideal way to gather information on local business and service providers, without feeling pressure to join. Visitors can find literature about local groups without committing.
Food for the EXPO is provided by the Oakland Technical Center’s Culinary Arts program and music and entertainment is provided by DJ Jim Tedder.
Visitors will have the chance to enter special drawings to win more than 50 door prizes donated by exhibitors.
Unlike previous years, the EXPO will have an admission of $5. Bendes said people will find the price is well worth the event, and that all proceeds go to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief effort.
Immediately following the event, the Deer Lake Racquet Club will host an ‘EXPO Afterglow? party for EXPO exhibitors, chambers members and any of their invited guests or clients.
The event is open to the public and runs from 5-8 p.m. The EXPO is geared toward business people looking to expand their personal networks, as well as community-minded individuals who want to become more familiar with businesses and organizations in the area. Due to space constraints, strollers are not permitted.
Any business wishing to participate in the EXPO can contact the chamber at 248-625-8055. Businesses must be part of the chamber in order to participate.