The Richland Area Chamber of Commerce held it’s annual Business Expo at the Richland County Fairgrounds on Thursday. Ninety-four members of the chamber had booths at the expo, which was well attended by the public. The expo allows businesses, nonprofits, and the community to connect and is often a way for customers to discover local resources.
Don Plotts, interim director, was pleased with the quality of the expo. “The activities have been a lot of fun. We really appreciate all the businesses and the community for coming out today, it’s been a great day,” said Plotts.
While one might expect to find banks and insurance companies at such an event, attendees were often surprised by local businesses they never encountered before the expo.
For example, Myra Myers is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian. As an expert in parliamentary procedure she is able to consult with businesses, government and nonprofits to teach governance, Roberts Rules of Order, and other key procedures. She primarily provides seminars and workshops, but can provide other services as well.
ShizDiz Entertainment put on a fun show in their booth. The family-owned company is in the entertainment business and expo visitors had fun participating in their game show-style games. ShizDiz also does magic shows, glow parties, and school assemblies. Expo visitors eagerly lined up for a chance to play their games and laugh at their friends and co-workers.
Mountain Air Creations is the sculpture company founded by Beth Franz. Franz is an English professor by day, and gifted sculptor outside of the classroom. She particularly enjoys the beauty of the human face and she brought several bronze busts to the expo to showcase her talents. Franz works on commission and plans to expand her sculpture business in the near future.
Many area nonprofits were exhibitors as well. The Mansfield/Richland County Public Library was showcasing two new high tech offerings that are free to use with your library card. Learn4Life is a new e-learning platform with courses in accounting, business, technology, writing and publishing, and much more.
For those who prefer to use tablets and other devices the library is keeping up with the trends. Now they are offering a service called Hoopla which offers digital video, music, and audiobooks. These can stream to your computer or be downloaded to your mobile device. Both programs are free to use for library cardholders in good standing.
For some who attended, the event was an opportunity to connect with other businesses. Michelle Reber works for the Area Agency on Aging, “It was great to connect with many of the partners that we work with.”
The day’s activities ended with a business after hours happy hour.
The expo was sponsored by Medical Mutual, Graham Automall, Hamilton Insurance Services, Richland Bank, Richland Newhope Industries.
For information about joining the Richland Chamber of Commerce or upcoming events, visit their webpage http://www.mrachamber.com/
