Expo open to public for the first time


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The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce annual business expo was open to the public Thursday for the first time, a move many hope will attract more people to the event.

Typically the event — which features exhibitions from area businesses and chamber members — is held in February in conjunction with the annual chamber meeting, and is open only to chamber members for a fee. On average 450 to 500 people attend, said Chris Schutte, chamber marketing director.

“The main reason we moved (dates) is to provide added value to our chamber member executives,” Schutte said. “This will have the effect of attracting more people.”

Organizers asked the 45 exhibitors to feature more giveaways to entice the public, Schutte said. Businesses sponsored free trips to Cuba, $500 gift cards, iPads and more, as well as provided small tokens and products.

Visitors included local business people and residents looking for a community event, and many had tote bags filled with free products.

“I’m having a great time, I’m just here to check out the different vendors,” said Cynthia Dodge, sales coordinator from the Courtyard by Marriott as she made the rounds with coworkers holding a gift bag. “It’s just the opportunity to bring everyone together and they can see what’s out there.”

Many vendors said they were unsure of the effect of opening the expo to the public, although there were more first-time exhibitors this year than usual.

“It’s strictly about the exposure,” said Rick Schmidt, the vice president of national sales for Woeber Mustard. This expo was the fourth time the local company has attended. “Some business people here don’t even know we’re (in Springfield) and we can show off our new products.”

The expo was also a debut for the Western Clark County Business Association, which as part of an associate membership with the chamber, was able to send three businesses to exhibit at the expo.

Ledford Electric attended “just to get our name out in Springfield a bit more and make contacts with other businesses,” said Rhonda Ledford, co-owner of the New Carlisle business and a member of the WCCBA.

As people trickled in the first hour of the expo, Ledford and others seemed positive attendance would be high.

“It’s been cold and people have been ready to get out,” Ledford said. “It would be helpful to all us businesses and we will get what we set out for.”

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