A growing area, the greater Clarkston community attracts more than its share of entrepreneurs and family businesses.
Showcasing them all is the annual Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, set for 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, at Clarkston High School, 6093 Flemings Lake Road.
‘Business fuels the local economic engine ? the Expo is our chamber’s signature networking event,? said Sue Fryer, Expo chair. ‘The Expo allows our businesses to showcase and communicate what we do and to look for potential customers, clients, and partnership referrals.?
‘We encourage everyone to shop local,? said Penny Shanks, chamber executive director. ‘We’re a very welcoming home town ? you don’t have to be here long to be a Clarkstonite, but you have a responsibility to stay local, patronize our local businesses.?
The expo was created 21 years ago to show people what they have to offer. It will feature more than 100 business exhibits and displays, with information, demonstrations, presentations, and giveaways.
‘We’ll have a wide range of exhibits, a lot of things for the home,? Shanks said.
‘We expect over 100 exhibitors and over 1,200 visitors to the Expo this year. We’ve consistently hit those numbers for the past five years in a row,? states Penny Shanks, Chamber Executive Director.
The scavenger hunt, introduced at last year’s expo, returns. Attendees fill out an 10-question entry card with information from exhibitors for a chance at two Red Wings hockey tickets.
‘They’re nice seats to a nice event,? Shanks said.
The high school’s Main Street hallway, connecting the entrance to the cafeteria exhibit hall, will be turned into pet central, with exhibits by Camp Bow Wow, Advanced Pet Care, Metamora Academy, Dog Porter, and other businesses for animals.
‘They have kittens, puppies ? it will be really neat,? Shanks said.
Students of the North Oakland Technical Center’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality program will serve hot and cold hors d’oeuvres such as bruschetta, bacon-chutney canapes, and panko-crusted fried risotto cakes, and mini desserts.
Admission is $5. For more information, call the chamber at 248-625-8055.