Year’s biggest networking event still has spaces available

Community Expo draws 10,000-plus

Plans for the seventh annual Community EXPO are in high gear. The popular event, sponsored by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce (RCC), has drawn thousands through the doors of Rockford High School each year. EXPO is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. March 19.

This year’s event will feature exhibitors, entertainment, music, raffles, a chance to win a car and emcees—sure to entertain. Educational Workshops, which made its debut in 2010, will also be available.

“EXPO is a wonderful event for everyone,” RCC Executive Director Brenda Davis said. “It is a great vehicle for the area businesses to feature their merchandise and services. They gain a lot of exposure through the EXPO and the proof is that we sell out our available booth spaces and have a waiting list every year.”

There will be 170 booths lined up in three different areas of the high school, with plenty of promotional material available. Although money is not allowed to exchange hands, exhibitors are allowed to network, take e-mail addresses, set up appointments and “talk shop” with those who attend the event.

Lance Kohley, owner of Kohley’s Superior Water & Propane, will be enjoying his third year at EXPO. The company has stepped up their involvement even more by being a Silver Sponsor the past two years.

“I am a firm believer that people have to see you to know what your business is all about,” Kohley said. “I think if they physically see you they can get to know you. It is an important part of owning a business, one-on-one contact is everything. EXPO not only offers one-on-one contact, it is a lot of fun. It is a great crowd.”

The EXPO stage will be filled with talent all day long. Included will be bands and choirs from the area schools – the talents of the RHS Jazz Band from 2-3 p.m. will be a sure show-stopper. Emceeing the event will be Michele DeSelms, Juliet Dragos, Tom Rademacher and Andy Rent.

There are still some booths available for the event. Go to www.rockfordmichchamber.com and click on the EXPO logo for information and registration brochure.