WELLSVILLE - The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 2013 Trade Show from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Having already outgrown its previous venues over the last two years, this third-annual edition will be held in the Wellsville High School gymnasium at 1 Bengal Blvd., in the village.
"It's a great way to reach out to the community to get your name out there, whether you're an established business that has been around for 150 years or you're a new business that doesn't have the money for a huge marketing campaign," said Erin Roberts-Orr of Roberts Funeral Home, who is serving as co-chair of this year's trade show.
"We're glad to see that it's growing and that people are supporting it," she added.
A networking reception will be held before the show, from 4:30-5 p.m. Brandon Russell of Wellsville First Christian Church, trade show chairman for 2013, said the event serves as a great opportunity for business owners and other vendors to exchange ideas and discuss what efforts have worked best for them. "
Businesses need to talk to each other and work together," he said.
Orr said that 43 local businesses and organizations have already registered, such as United Water, CF Bank, Air Waves of Ohio and Center Pharmacy. Coming as more of a surprise to some attendees will be the presence of numerous non-profit organizations, like the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, the Humane Society of Columbiana County, Potter Players Community Theatre and the Carpenters and Joiners Union Local 171.
The $20 registration fee includes a covered eight-foot table, two chairs, name tags and a free T-shirt bearing the slogan, "Live Here, Give Here, Grow Here: Support our community businesses!"
Orr said many people make the mistake of thinking that trade shows exist strictly for businesses to market their products or services to other businesses. She hopes members of the general public will also come to the show, as it is being directed to them as much as to other entrepreneurs.
"They can see what their local businesses have to offer them," Orr said.
In addition to learning about these products and services, the public can enter to win a 32-inch flat-screen TV, enjoy free refreshments and giveaways from vendors or participate in a Chinese auction.
Vendor space for the interested in participating is still available, but the deadline for registration is March 15. For more information, call Brandon Russell at 330-853-0199 or Erin Roberts-Orr at 330-692-2037.
