Business 2 Business Expo

Claire Toth, a representative of McCrorie Carpet One in Sequim, greets fellow businessmen, women and potential customers during the Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce’s first Business 2 Business Expo in 2007. Photo by Avani Nadkarni

Expo offers business owners, consumers a chance to network

Chamber members encouraged to reserve tables by Oct. 10

by ASHLEY MILLER
Staff writer

As promised, the Business 2 Business Expo is back for the second year.

More than two-dozen chamber members will showcase their products and services, connect with potential vendors and network from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the SunLand Golf and Country Club.

The community is invited.

With the May 2009 Hood Canal bridge closure only a matter of months away, the focus of the exposition is on how peninsula businesses and community members can work together to continue providing and receiving much-needed services.

“It’s an opportunity for businesses to meet other businesses that can provide services and for businesses to become more productive and effective, perhaps even expand their services,” said Vickie Maples, Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director. “We encourage the community to come out, support the businesses and get an idea of what’s available in the Sequim area.”

Maples said she expects the event to be successful. “I wasn’t here last year but understand it went very well,” she said about the first expo in 2007. “There is a lot of enthusiasm this year and people are participating who weren’t able to participate last year.”

Twenty-nine vendors were signed up at press time. Chamber members can continue signing up through Oct. 10. After that, admission is space-dependent.

“Vendor” tables offer businesses a rectangular space with seating. “Gathering” tables are round and encourage participants to stand or mingle.

Gift sponsorships are available through Oct. 17. A $25 cash sponsorship allows business owners who are chamber members to put a basket with products and information or a gift certificate on display and give a 30-second speech using the microphone.

Attendees will be given a raffle ticket upon entrance and have the chance to win a basket or certificate. Raffle winners don’t have to be chamber members.

The visitor’s center will have a booth with informational pamphlets and a volunteer sign-up sheet.

Event sponsors include the Sequim Gazette, First Federal, The Lodge at Sherwood Village and Pacific Office Equipment.
For more information, call the chamber at 683-6197.