Making a Difference – last weekend the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce hosted the first in our area Business and Community Expo at Polk County High School.
The goal was to bring local businesses together with local consumers. Fifty-two businesses participated and hundreds came out to stroll the aisles and check out what was offered locally. Goal achieved and job well done.
As I entered the business expo, the Polk County HS gymnasium had been transformed. Tables were covered with linens and skirts, the backdrops were draped with fabric, and vendor’s displays were of the quality you would see at much larger shows.
The very first thing I saw as I entered the expo was Gillian Drummond’s booth.
You would have thought you were in a sitting room at a warm comfortable home.  Complete with faux painted walls, drapes, chairs and side table and even a lamp it was easy to see this room in your home. What a great way to share her interior design skills and meet new customers.
The chamber thoughtfully provided bags at the entrance, and it’s a good thing too.  As you traveled the isles there were all kinds of freebees provided by the businesses. Pens, notepads, yoyos and stress balls quickly began to fill the bags.
As if that wasn’t enough to bring you into the expo each business also provided a door prize and a winner was announced every 15 minutes.
From banking information and financial planning to home improvement contractors, painters, hardware stores, realtors, caterers and more these businesses all had a chance to talk first-hand with potential customers they may not have seen other wise. Local contacts were made, names and numbers exchanged and business was generated which is good for our economy.
Thank you to the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce for not only talking the talk, but for walking the walk and bringing business and community together.