MANSFIELD — The Richland Area Chamber of Commerce rounded up more than 100 businesses and nonprofits on Thursday for its largest annual business expo.
The 13th-annual event allowed the public and other local Richland County owners to meet and build connections with the locally-owned and operated businesses and nonprofits on display at the Richland County Fairgrounds.
“You hear so much about shopping local, but this is a great way to do it in person,” said Chamber President Jodie Perry. “A lot of these places are more service-oriented, so you don’t always just walk into their businesses.”
The expo kicked off at 10:45 a.m. with a ribbon cutting. In attendance were Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker, Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag, Lexington Mayor Eugene Parkison and Commissioners Marilyn John and Tony Vero, among others.
Immediately afterwards, the arena gates opened for everyone to meet and mingle with their neighborhood business owners.
“The goal is to give the businesses an outlet and an opportunity to meet new customers and make connections in the community,” Perry said.
Every year, the business expo has a different theme. This year’s was “round-up.” Perry donned a red plaid shirt and others wore cowboy hats and handkerchiefs tied around their necks. Booths were decorated appropriately, too, with all sorts of western-style colors and horseback riding gear.
The expo lasted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.
