Thursday – March 31: The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce held their first ever trade show this past Thursday evening. The event was held at the WHS Alumni Center located at 201 Third St. Event Chairwoman Erin Roberts-Orr announced earlier that day they had 33 vendors registered for the inaugural show. The idea of having a local trade show was gleaned from Chamber members visiting other trade shows in the tri-state region and was first brought to our attention late last year.
There was a variety of vendors at the Wellsville trade show from clubs, educational institutions, unions, engineering firms and all kinds of area businesses. Roberts Funeral Home donated refreshments and many of the vendors also had treats. Gibby's Mini-Mart and the Riverside Roadhouse were getting a lot of attention with their offerings. There was enough food available one didn't have to go home for supper. Sheryl Gibson and Kristi were passing out complimentary ham salad sandwiches. Personally we think that is the best ham salad found in the area. Riverside Roadhouse co-owner Laura Reed was busy dishing out their pasta carbonara.
Many of the vendors had a Wellsville connection but there were a few that were new to us. Although we can't claim Micky Mouse as a Wellsville native his twin “Ricky Mouse” was there representing B&J Look-a-Like that offer a variety of costumed characters to brighten up any party. Mari Wycoff, General Manager of A Touch of Flair, introduced us to her business. They specialize in event decorating. Account Executive Bill Reiner introduced us to a side of Office Max that we didn't know existed. Reiner is available to take care of your every office supply needs. Before talking to Bill we thought Office Max just had stores around the country. For more information on this service give Bill a call at 412-298-6463.
Mark Bayless was there representing the Western Reserve Building and Construction Trades Council. Bayless is also the Business Representive & Organizer for the Ohio & Vicinity Regional Council of Carpenters. Scott Shepherd was there for A&I Architecture & Interiors Studio. A principal in the engineering firm, Shepherd has offered to donate his services for the renovation of the Liberty Theater. Historic preservation is one of the specialties of A&I.
The Wellsville Lions Club and Elks Lodge 1040 were present. Newly installed Elks Exalted Ruler Jeff Haugh explained that a large part of their benevolent mission is dedicated to the youth of our area. Their efforts in drug awareness is one of their well known programs. The Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department was on hand giving live, hands on demonstrations in the use of fire extinguishers. No home should be without one. Even members of the WHS Alumni Activities Committee were on hand getting word out on their hall rentals with food service available and their other activities.
With wall to wall vendors set up we would rate the Chamber's first trade show a huge success. There was a steady stream of visitors taking it all in. Congratulations to the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce and especially to Mrs. Orr. Your efforts paid dividends...
ole nib
2 comments:
I can't even begin to express my thanks to everyone who came out for our first ever Trade Show! Between the vendors and the public, we had anywhere between 100and 150 people at any given time in the Alumni Center. We were so happy to see the people that stopped by stayed for a while. I don't think anyone just stopped in for a few minutes. The businesses all went above and beyond our expectations to make this year a great one! We have had pledges from businesses participating this year to participate next year, and I've even had some businesses that weren't able to make it this year want to sign up for next year! I think we've found ourselves a new yearly tradition for the Chamber. For those that weren't able to make it this year, we hope to see you all next year.
Erin Orr
Trade Show Coordinator
Great job Erin and fellow Chamber members on the trade show. I think you have started a great tradition and it will only grow each year. Keep up the good work !
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