12th Annual Capital Region Business Fair

12th Annual
Capital Region Business Fair
A Solid Foundation for Networking Success

By Jaime Lindsey

Are you a small business owner? Are you thinking of starting your own business? Do you work with someone who owns their own business and want to score some points with the boss? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you need to attend the Capital Region Business Fair, held November 18th and 19th, 10am to 7pm in the Northwest Building of the State Farm Show Complex. The Business Fair is a showcase for the many diverse businesses that exist in the region. The Fair serves two purposes: The exhibitors have the opportunity to increase name recognition and sales by displaying goods and services to the business owner or consumer; and the attendees have the opportunity to enjoy “one stop shopping,” getting the information they need to make their business a success.

Twelve years ago, Mac Douglas and the current chairman of the Chamber of Commerce approached John M. Aichele, the newly retired chairman of the board with Milton Hershey Schools. They were interested in starting a business fair, and Mr. Aichele agreed to help them. It has been a success story ever since. “The business fair was started for three reasons,” explained Mr. Aichele. “Harrisburg has a central location to compare business services. Secondly, it gave our members (of the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce) the opportunity to display their businesses. Lastly, it provides a source of income for the Chamber, enabling us to avoid raising membership dues.”

Doe & Jerry's Barbecue enjoyed incredible success at last year's fair In the time that Mr. Aichele has served as Chairman, he has seen tremendous growth. In the past, the Business Fair has had a capacity for 272 participant booths. The first year featured 100 businesses. Last year, the participants numbered 250. For 1998, the capacity is increased to 278, and the Fair expects to enjoy a near sell-out of available space! This year, Alltel and Nextlink will sponsor the Fair. Cosponsors are D&E Communications, High Employee Services LTD, Info Quest Technologies, and WHP-TV.

So, we have a business fair with a good number of the regions successful businesses being represented. What makes this fair such a great resource for businesses? “Some exhibitors told me that it takes them an entire year to make the sales calls from the leads that they receive from the fair,” states Mr. Aichele. “Other exhibitors have found that the best contacts were made with other exhibitors. And non-profit organizations gain recognition they might not otherwise receive.” Another benefit for businesses is the Sneak Preview night, held Wednesday, November 17, 5pm to 7pm. This event is for the exhibitors only, giving them a chance to network with the other participants and have their booths judged for Most Informative, Most Attention Getting, Most Attractive, and Best of Show. New this year the Sneak Preview theme is “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.” The Harrisburg Senators have donated the grand prize for the booth judging, and there will be music, food, and a game of baseball trivia where participants can compete for prizes.

Business professionals peruse the booths for info and networking Okay, sounds great, but you are not participating this year. Why should people attend? The networking opportunities are invaluable. With over 268 businesses (to date) represented, one is sure to find information on almost any business concern. Let’s say, for example, your business is making the jump out of your home and into a commercial location. Need information for small business owners? Go to the Small Business Development Center/Kutztown University booth. Money concerns? Shop at the booths for PNC Bank, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, or Harris Savings Bank to name just a few. Staffing help? Talk to JFC Staffing Associates or Norrell. Need signs? Sign A Rama. Want to look good at work? Mary Kay Cosmetics. You get the picture. That example does not come close to representing the gamut of businesses you can inspect. Take a look at the list of exhibitors participating, and put a check mark next to the ones able to give you the information you need. There is no better place to be part of the region’s business community than the two days of the Business Fair.

The Fair is open to all members of the business community; a business card must be presented at the door. For more information about the fair, please contact Doris Stillman at 213-5040.