By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Wall-to-wall tables at Holiday Inn showcased Rowan County businesses for the Rowan Chamber 2009 Business Show.
Held each year, the show is a way for local businesses and others in the region to share information about the services they provide.
So many businesses participated, they were spread out through the hotel’s ballroom and spilled into its lobby. They included Food Lion, The Club at Irish Creek, Century 21 and Autumn Care, many offering giveaways and door prizes.
“It’s a great opportunity for networking. The vendors have an opportunity to display various goods or services,” said Wilson Cherry, director of life skills and job placement manager with Rowan Vocational Opportunities Inc.
The agency, located on Old Concord Road, gives people with mental, physical and emotional issues or disabilities a chance to learn to work.
Cherry said he has learned more about a lot of businesses by being at the show.
“There are some gems here in Rowan County,” he said.
Jan Corriher-Smith, director of customized training and development at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, was on hand at the show.
Corriher-Smith said there were some people at the show who were very interested in the college’s tuition-waived classes for the unemployed. The program is offered through its continuing education human resources development program. Others asked about the GED program.
“Learning a new trade is really the key,” she said.
Baylee’s Steakhouse, located in the Salisbury Mall, took part in the show for the first time.
The restaurant and sports theater has been open for just under a year.
Manager Tabatha Heath said a few people stopped by looking for employment, but most wanted to know about the menu. Of the menu, Heath said the restaurant offers daily drink specials and half-price appetizers. The restaurant also offers catering.
Jane Shuping works with N.C. Vocational Rehabilitation and attended the event along with co-worker Juanita Oats to look at potential employment opportunities for their clients.
“It’s a good avenue for networking,” Shuping said.
“It’s wonderful to see companies still thriving,” Oats added.
Everyone who walked by Robin Junker’s table for Beverly Hills Weight Loss & Wellness learned the business is not just about weight loss.
One of her door prizes was for the chance to win a body wrap valued at $140.
The great thing about the weight-loss center, Junker said, is you can eat your own food and food at restaurants. Also, counseling is one-on-one.
“It’s something they can continue,” she said.
The business is located across from the Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross.
There were also businesses not located in Rowan County, including Le Bleu, located in Advance, and Orkin Pest Control from Winston-Salem.
The business show has been going for more than 10 years.