MANSFIELD – Residents corralled into Fairhaven Hall at the Richland County Fairgrounds Thursday to talk with business representatives about products and services available to them.
The 12th Annual Richland Area Chamber of Commerce Expo attracted more than 100 local businesses and nonprofit organizations as well as a steady stream of visitors.
Richland Area Chamber of Commerce President Jodie A. Perry welcomed guests during a ribbon cutting ceremony with local elected officials. The 179th Airlift Wing presented the colors, and Miss Ohio 2016 Alice Magoto sang the national anthem. Newly elected Richland County Commissioner Darrell Banks cut the ribbon.
Perry said the event featured more booths than in past years.
“We have a lot of repeat vendors every year, and they have told me they’ve gotten a lot of great business out of this,” Perry said.
Magoto enjoyed attending the expo to visit with residents and talk with her sponsors.
“Being here and giving back to the local businesses is great,” she said.
Attendees had a variety of reasons for visiting the expo.
“I like to go to all of the different booths and see the different things that they have and the needs that can be met in my life,” retired pastor and teacher Clair Gray said.
As an 80-year-old Mansfield resident, he said he planned visit health care and hospice-related booths at the expo.
Mansfield resident Ashley Bottom attended the expo for the second time this year.
“I came out last year and it was a great experience just meeting local businesses,” she said. “Last year I actually got a job out of this.”
As one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the Chamber, the expo was made possible by 27 local business sponsors. The exhibition hall was arranged into four avenues named after Grand Slam sponsors: Affordable Lawn Services & Landscaping, Graham Auto Mall, Hamilton Insurance Group and Kloud9 IT. The expo’s spring training theme prompted many baseball-oriented booths.
The Chamber operates based on membership dues, but the expo and other events contribute to operating costs.
Doc Stumbo, of Graham Auto Mall, said sponsoring the expo helps create business for the dealership every year. Sales associates showed several vehicles that were parked in front of the exhibition hall, and visitors had the chance to spin a wheel to win prizes. The dealership also sponsored a canned food drive to benefit a local charity.
“This year we had a growth in sponsors, so I think people are seeing value in what we’re doing here,” Perry said.
Affordable Lawn Services & Landscaping sponsored the event in prior years, but made the jump to presenting sponsor this year.
“We think it’s a good event and we like to keep our name out there,” co-owner Joan Roth said.
The UPS Store in Mansfield exhibited to promote its printing services.
“We’re here today because we have a great appreciation for the area in general and we just really love to be a part of the community,” Store Manager Lori Waters said.
North Central State College showcased banquet and room rental opportunities available on its four campuses.
“We still feel that the general public is not fully aware of all of the spaces that we have to offer for rent for professional and social gatherings,” Coordinator of the Ralph Phillips Conference Center Leah Wachtel said. “We can do two people up to 400 people.”
Perry said the Chamber provides year-round networking opportunities and advocates for member organizations to foster a healthy business climate in Richland County.
“What’s happening today contributes to our mission because we want to help businesses make connections and network,” Perry said.
