Chamber holds 2013 Business Expo

Van Wert independent

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2013 Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County at a new site — Elks Lodge 1197 — that better reflects the more intimate style of the second-year event, versus the former Van Wert Home Show format.

This is the second year for the new format, which features a mix of business networking and product showcasing by area companies. This year’s event also included free food samples from local food service companies, such as Collins Fine Foods, Fricker’s, Little Caesar’s Pizza, cakecrazy, Simply Irresistible, the Black Swamp Bistro, and Wild Hare BBQ, while beverages were provided for sale by the Elks.

The event brought a good crowd, and both Chamber President/CEO Susan Munroe and a majority of the approximately 35 businesses that participated were happy with the turnout.

“I was very pleased with the turnout,” Munroe said.

The event included two hours of opportunities for business-to-business sales and networking, and most participating businesses took full advantage of those opportunities, with business representatives mingling and chatting throughout the Business Expo, as well as tasting the food goodies provided.

The last two hours of the event were open to the public, and lots of people came out to sample food and take home freebies provided by participating businesses.

This year, six sponsors also provided funding or services to assist the Chamber with putting on the event. They include K&L Ready Mix, Koorsen Fire and Security, Kenn-Feld Group, Van Wert Manor, Vantage Career Center and Elks Lodge 1197.