 Chamber readies for expo May 24
Published March 19, 2005.
Reprinted with permission of the Rankin Ledger
By Jason S. Hooper
jhooper@rankinledger.com
What: Rankin County Chamber of Commerce fourth annual Business Expo
When: May 24, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: George Wynn Building at Hinds Community College Rankin Campus in Pearl
Booth space: 9-foot by 10-foot, $50 each
To reserve booth space: Call the chamber at (601) 825-2268.
Nearly half the booths have already been reserved for the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce's fourth annual Business Expo on May 24.
Businesses owners looking for exposure and an opportunity to meet others in business can find it at the expo, said Gale Martin, executive director of the chamber.
"A lot of times, business owners don't know what other businesses can provide," he said. "We hope to network several of these businesses together."
There is room for 60 booths at the expo at the Hinds Community College Rankin Campus in Pearl.
Tara Hayes, marketing director and co-owner of Chik-fil-A in Flowood, said she makes a point to reserve the restaurant's booth space early. Chik-fil-A has participated every year since the inception of the event.
"It's a great opportunity for business owners in Rankin County to see what other businesses are out there and network to keep dollars in Rankin County," she said.
Hayes said she takes the opportunity to let other business owners know that Chik-fil-A can provide catering.
Martin said more than 40 types of businesses have had displays at past expos, including banks, medical facilities, advertising executives, insurance companies, temp-staff agencies, real estate agencies and restaurants.
"It's a lot of fun," said Jim Snider, owner of RideSouth. Snider participated last July. He said the expo helps people learn about his shop, which sells recumbent bicycles and kayaks.
Martin said the expo also offers business owners a chance to show their wares and services to the community. The event is open to the public at no charge. Martin said that about 300 people walked through the expo last year.
Snider rented two booth spaces and featured five bicycles and four kayaks, which people could see and ride. "It's a great opportunity to let people know about you," he said.
Hayes provides samples of food at the expo. "It has helped us build the brand name of Chik-fil-A by giving people a taste," she said.
The event has been held in July in the past. Martin said the move to May is an effort to avoid the summer heat. "It's tough bringing in a display in 100-degree weather," he said.
|
