2013 Community Expo & Home Show: NL Chamber of Commerce

The 2013 Community Expo & Home Show will be featuring local businesses, offering demonstrations, a pet section and more.

Billed as one of the largest business expos in the Chicago Southland, the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce's annual event is expected to draw about 115 exhibitors. The expo is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16 at Lincoln-Way Central High School Field House, 1801 E. Lincoln-Highway. Networking begins an hour before the expo opens.

Deb Hypke, executive director of the chamber, said the show this year is highlighting improvements for the home both inside and outside. There will be displays on flooring, granite counter tops, landscaping and more.

And like last year, the popular pet-designated section is featuring veterinarians, retail businesses that cater to grooming or those that specialize in gourmet treats. A few four-legged canines are expected to sit-up and take notice of the attention they'll get from pet lovers too. Governmental agencies will have representatives manning exhibits about everything from safety to environmental programs.

What's new this year is a non-profit section. Designated 501C3 groups, such as youth organizations or outreach agencies, are welcome to exhibit at a table for a reduced rate. "We're going to set an area with a flat rate of $75 for non-profits." The regular rate for exhibitors is $135.

A variety of health care organizations are anticipated to offer simple screenings, and there's bound to be some fun demonstrations from fitness firms, she added.  

In short, Hypke said, "The Expo offers something for everyone including home improvement ideas to financial services, a pet expo, health and wellness providers, to name a few."

Attendees can find out information about local businesses and resources while enjoying product samples, giveaways and raffles throughout the day.

Interested in exhibiting at the 2013 Expo? Call the chamber at 815-485-4241 or visit the website here for more information.  See the PDFs included with the story for exhibitor registration or to join as an expo advertising partner. A pull-out booklet is available to promote your business. The deadline for inclusion in the booklet is Feb. 28.

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