A popular annual event spanning nearly two decades promises to bring local businesses face-to-face with potential customers.
The Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Expo will take over two arenas and the curling rink at the Okotoks Recreation Centre on April 28 and 29.
Chamber of Commerce executive director Cheryl Actemichuk said there will be many returning businesses this year. This year’s roster includes a few new additions to the line-up, such as Save-On Foods, Balance Wear, Country Home Kennels and Westco Construction.
The event will also see a slightly new format, she said.
For the first time, the trade show will feature food trucks.
“We’ve got five food trucks confirmed, so that’s exciting,” said Actemichuk. “That’s something different for people and changes it up a little bit.”
The food trucks will be located outside the curling rink entrance on the north end of the rec centre, and the curling rink doors will be the entrance to the trade show this year, she said.
Inside the rink, visitors will find businesses and services from the auto industry, including High River Toyota, Skills Driving School, auto detailing, dent repair, and insurance companies, she said. They offered a similar display last year, but many patrons didn’t notice signage directing them to the curling rink, she said.
“People do what they’re used to, so they went into the Murray and the Piper and leave,” said Actemichuk. “So, we thought we’d do this again, but change the entrance to the curling rink to get more exposure down there.”
The Murray and Piper arenas will be filled with a number of businesses ranging from home-based to retail, local services, and a few restaurants are also coming out for the Festival of Flavours, she said.
Shane Casey, owner of OK Tire, will be returning to the Business Expo this year. He said he likes the changes that have been made and the fact the Chamber will be charging people to attend, both of which make it a more valuable event for business owners and attendees.
“It’s about being in the community, having a face in the community, which is important,” said Casey. “We’ll have a tire sale special just for that weekend, and we’ll just be there to meet some people and say hello, and introduce ourselves to the community.”
Business Expo 2017 will run April 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and April 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $2 per person or $5 for a family, and children 11 and under are free with an adult.
