Competition may be integral to any business, but the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County also wants to promote partnership in the local economy.
To further that goal, the organization is continuing its annual tradition of hosting the CBICC Business Expo on Thursday at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. Over 80 different businesses from all over Centre County will come together to promote economic growth.
Aptly titled ‘Taking Care of Business,” CBICC Communications Director Lesley Kistner says the expo is not only a networking opportunity for the exhibitors, it’s also a chance for area residents to learn more about their economy.
“It helps the public get a good glimpse into the full business community here,” Kistner says. “Maybe someone who’s only heard of a business will meet them, and have the opportunities to ask questions and make connections.”
She says this benefits both the business by creating new customers and the residents by engaging them with the business leaders of their community.
The expo will feature a wide range of business and industries – including some of Centre County’s best restaurants. Kistner says attendees “will get a taste of the flavor of the area,” through free food and drink provided as part of the County Cuisine display.
Another popular stop will be the speed networking event, which Kistner jokingly describes as “speed dating, but without the emotional baggage.” Participants will meet a number of representatives from area businesses as part of the effort to connect potential customers with area professionals.
Kistner says that can be especially helpful for students and other young job seekers, because “the more connections you make in the local business community, the more they can help you down the road.”
The businesses themselves will also benefit from the expo – and not just by an expanding customer base. In addition to meeting other business leaders and sharing tricks of the trade, the CBICC will also help businesses understand the importance of social media and how to implement it into their business strategies.
The expo will feature a contest among the businesses to get the most likes on a single photo on their facebook pages and what Kistner calls a “selfie station.” You can even tweet out your selfie with #CBICCExpo to follow along with the fun online.
The expo runs from noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Penn State Conference Center Hotel on Thursday. The event is free and open to the public.
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