Chamber Business Expo set for May

VW Area Chamber of Commerce news

Get ready to grow a company’s bottom line and visibility in northwest Ohio at the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce’s newest event.  The Van Wert Area Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County is the perfect venue to showcase an area company’s products and services. The event will take place Thursday, May 16, from 3-7 p.m., at Elks Lodge 1197, located off Van Wert-Decatur Road in Van Wert.

Any business providing services or products in the region will benefit from exhibiting, and will have the opportunity to reach key customers, business executives, management and the community at large.  Businesses interested in taking part should register as soon as possible as booth space is limited.

The Van Wert Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County event combines two events in one to showcase area businesses. Here’s a look at the schedule:

• 3-5 p.m. — Business to Business connecting, networking and learning.
• 5-7 p.m. — Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County (open and free to the public).  Visitors will enjoy free appetizers and sweets from local establishments and a cash bar while visiting the business exhibit booths.

“This event combines the best of both worlds,” explained Van Wert Chamber President/CEO Susan Munroe. “Businesses will have the opportunity to make essential B2B connections as well as show off their products and services to the Van Wert area community.

“We’ve moved this event to a newer, more corporate venue: the Van Wert Elks Lodge Banquet Hall,” Munroe added. “This facility is centrally located in Van Wert, air conditioned, has ample parking, and attendees can purchase beverages from 5-7 p.m. during the Expo and Taste of Van Wert County while browsing the business exhibits.”

In addition, multimedia promotion will attract numerous area buyers to assure quality event traffic. The Van Wert Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County event offers exhibitors the opportunity to:

• Expand an area customer base in one day with this event.
• Showcase products and services to business customers and consumers.
• Make connections and generate leads.
• Increase visibility and build a company’s image.
• Be featured in the Van Wert Area Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County Exhibitor Guide.

The Chamber urges all businesses to secure an exhibit booth today, as space is limited. Booth space includes free Wi-Fi, a listing in the Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County Exhibitor Guide, a 6-foot display with tablecloth and skirting, and up to two box lunches. Chamber members may reserve a space for $125 and the non-member rate is $225. The Chamber has three of five free food vendor spaces available. These vendors may exhibit free in exchange for providing appetizers or desserts to attendees. All other food vendors must pay an exhibitor fee.

Gold Sponsors for this event include the Kenn-Feld Group, K&L Ready Mix, Koorsen Fire & Security, Vantage Career Center, Van Wert Manor and Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the May 16 Van Wert Business Expo and Taste of Van Wert County that offers a “two-in-one” event to reach business owners, executives, employees and residents in the Van Wert area and surrounding communities.

Contact the Chamber at 419.238.4390 or email chamber@vanwertchamber.com to reserve an exhibit space or for more information about sponsorships. Businesses can also register online at www.vanwertchamber.com.