The Chamber Works 2016 Expo will offer 60 local businesses, nonprofits and industries a chance to showcase — and sell — their products and services from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Owensboro Convention Center.
And if offers people a chance — at no charge — to check out the businesses and see what they have to offer.
“We’re trying to promote local business,” Candance Brake, president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, said last week. “The public can come, visit the booths and learn about local companies. The businesses can sell products if they want.”
The name of the event and the location are both new.
But the expo has been around for decades.
Through the years, it’s been the Greater Owensboro Connections Expo, Owensboro Has It! Expo, Owensboro Buys It!, Small Business Expo and Table Top Night.
Last year, about 45 companies showcased their products and services at the Greater Owensboro Connections Expo at the RiverPark Center.
But the goal of the expos has always been the same — to give local businesses more exposure.
“We’re close to selling out,” Brake said. “But we still have a few booths available.”
She said, “We used to have one flat rate for booths. But we’ve adjusted it for small businesses this year to encourage them to participate.”
The chamber has roughly 1,000 members.
Booth rates are $200 for a business with nine or fewer employees, $250 for those with 10 to 19 employees, $300 for 20 to 49 employees and $350 for 50 or more employees.
Brake said the convention center will showcase its food offerings and a cash bar will be available.
Several door prizes will be awarded during the event, she said.
WBKR’s Chad Benefield will be the master of ceremonies.
By Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer