Business & Tech

Business Expo Has Something for the Whole Family

The expo, which is this Saturday, allows residents to interact with local businesses and organizations.

The New Lenox Chamber of Commerce is looking to put efforts toward "shop local" initiatives this year, and it'll get a nice start to showcasing local businesses this weekend at its Community Expo and Home Show.

"The nice thing about it for any business, new or existing, is that it's getting back to that grassroots marketing," Chamber CEO Deb Hypke said. "They can talk to residents one-on-one, on a personal level, and our businesses clearly see the value of that."

The expo, which is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, is free to the public and will feature 110 different businesses and organizations, the largest expo to date for the New Lenox chamber.

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It helps promote local businesses, which is a primary function of the chamber. And this year, the chamber has other plans to do that. A new website is expected to launch by April that will include many new features, including a deal of the week, and the chamber is also exploring a gift card program for local businesses.

But the expo isn't just for local businesses to show off the goods and services they offer; there's entertainment for kids, as well as special prom and pet exhibitions.

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For pet lovers, there will be a "one-stop shop" area that includes groomers, retail stores, veterinarians and a couple rescue organizations that will have pets on display that are up for adoption. And because prom season is nearing, there is a focus on businesses that offer necessary things such as clothing, flowers, hair, makeup and photography. The prom-related businesses will be located throughout the expo but signified by balloons.

"If families are dealing with getting their kids ready for prom, it can be really busy," Hypke said. "But they can get a lot of errands done in one stop."

For kids, a Radio Disney road crew will appear from noon to 1 p.m., and there will also be a jump house, raffles and martial arts demonstrations. That can keep them entertained while parents learn about new businesses or ask questions about existing ones.

"It's a nice opportunity if you have questions for a business or organization," Hypke said. "We’re seeing a lot more home-based business and you’re not always aware of them because they don’t have a store front. We do have a lot of new businesses to New Lenox, so it’s a good opportunity to introduce them to the community."

if you go
  • Where: Lincoln-Way Central High School fieldhouse, 1801 E. Lincoln Hwy
  • When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Price: Free!


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