Business Expo plans to promote local commerce

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Talk about it

“We often find when talking about (local) businesses, people say, ‘Wow! I didn’t know we had somebody in town that does that,’” says River Falls Chamber of Commerce Event and Program Coordinator Nick Carstens.

To help remedy that unwanted occurrence, the Chamber will host the River Falls Business Expo from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the River Falls Armory. Everyone’s invited to attend.

“The purpose of the event is for businesses to highlight what they offer to the community,” Carstens added.

And who will benefit from the expo?

According to Carstens, “(Area residents) can benefit by learning about the local businesses, getting educated about what we have right here in River Falls. It will offer a great safe place for the kids to do a little early afternoon trick-or-treating. There will also be activities and additional fun on site.”

Residents aren’t the only area group who will benefit. Businesses will as well, says Carstens.

“Businesses can benefit by getting in touch with the local community,” he began. “It is hard for someone to be a patron of your business if they don’t know that you exist, or if they do not know all of the services you provide. We want River Falls people to do business in River Falls. The first step is educating people on what is here.”

Though this is not the first gathering of its kind held in River Falls, Carstens doesn’t recall it being called an “expo” before.

“I believe there were a couple (joint business promotions) in the early 2000s. I do not know if they were called expos, though, but they were along the same lines from what I hear,” he said.

The Chamber is still recruiting businesses for the event.

“We are looking for businesses that would like to have a booth at the expo and promote their business,” said Carstens. “You can sign up for the event at the River Falls Chamber of Commerce, 425-2533.”

He said anyone with questions should call and speak to Carstens himself. He’ll be happy to assist.

The event is a not-for-profit one. All money from sponsors and booth fees will cover the expo’s costs and help promote the event.

It’s also one that is geared for families. Businesses who take part will are encouraged to host mini-activities, hand out candy or other treats, and will be allowed to give away or sell samples or products during the promotion.

“Fall is a great season to (hold an expo,)” said Carstens, and especially on Halloween. “More people are in town…a lot of people stick around to do trick-or-treating.

“We are looking forward to a great time.”

For more information, call Carstens at the Chamber at 425-2533.

Tags: business expo, river falls chamber of commerce