City and Union Area Chamber of Commerce officials are readying for another business expo to be held in October.
According to Community Development Director Joseph Graves, there are three objectives of the expo.
“We want to familiarize the public with products and services available in Union,” he said. “We also want to encourage citizens to shop locally and give an opportunity for businesses to network with each other.”
In an effort to encourage residents to shop locally, this year’s expo will feature something new — a drawing for “Expo Bucks” that can be utilized at participating businesses.
“We are encouraging those who visit the expo to shop and spend money in Union,” he said.
This year’s expo will be held at the Union Memorial Auditorium at city hall Thursday, Oct. 11, from 3-7 p.m.
The expo is a joint effort between the Union Economic Development Department and the Chamber of Commerce. This will be the fourth year for the event.
Last year there were over 60 businesses at the expo, offering a wide range of services and products. The expo is an effort to showcase Union businesses and invite customers to visit those businesses.
Graves added that the Expo Bucks will be given in denomination of $20 during drawings at the expo. There also will be a grand prize of $100 in Expo Bucks.
The bucks are used like gift certificates at a participating business, and the business will redeem the Expo Bucks for cash at the Chamber office. Participation is only open to those who have a Union business license.
There still are a few slots left for those who would like to have a booth at the expo, Graves added.
“We are close to getting full, but we still have a few spots open,” he said. “We are encouraging those with valid licenses to register quickly.”
The cost to be a vendor is $10 and that all goes to advertising for the event, Graves explained. The event is free to attend.
“It is an extremely successful event and it amazes me every year how many people attend,” he said.
There will be a networking breakfast for vendors the morning of the expo. Booths can be set up following the breakfast.
With the donation of canned goods, those who attend the event will receive a reusable shopping bag or Union T-shirt. The food will be donated to the Union Food Pantry.
“We anticipate another full auditorium this year with vendors and people who want to learn about businesses in Union,” Graves said.
There also will be food vendors outside of city hall during the expo.
For more information, people can contact Graves at 636-583-3600, or the Chamber at 636-583-8979.
