By Robin M. Perry
For the Salisbury Post
SALISBURY — It was advertised as Rowan County’s best and biggest business show of the year. That description fit well for the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Show at the Event Center on Thursday.
More than 70 exhibitors had the opportunity to “show their stuff” to the community, and the overall consensus was positive.
The Chamber has been hosting these business shows for more than 10 years. Bob Wright, president, was pleased to have this year’s show completely sold out with 72 exhibitors.
“We started at the Civic Center and when we outgrew that, we moved to the Holiday Inn,” he said. When space became tight there, they moved the venue to the Event Center.
“This is the second year at the Event Center on Webb Road, and this year is bigger than ever,” said Wright. “The show is a benefit of membership,” explains Wright, “as you must be a Chamber member to exhibit. This is our opportunity to promote Rowan County goods and services and keep the dollars in Rowan County.”
According to Linda Sherrill, membership director of the Chamber, 22 exhibitors were new to the show. Many of them are new Chamber members also.
Steve Reeder of Glass Direct appreciated the opportunity to exhibit his company, which makes and sells custom glass products. The business recently opened its first retail branch on Corporate Circle in Salisbury. The business show provided Reeder a great opportunity to showcase his retail sales. Glass Direct is a new chamber member, too.
Like Reeder, Starling Johnson of Johnson Concrete Products was a first-time exhibitor.
“We sell retail, too, and this show is a great opportunity for us to get our name, brand and products out to the public,” Johnson said. The company sells retaining walls, pavers and pottery in addition to concrete products. “It is exciting to be here and impressive to see the diversity of the exhibitors,” she added.
Rowan Regional Medical Center, a major sponsor, had a booth with many items to take home, such as lip balm and health tips. Falon Nye, marketing and PR specialist, was meeting with people and sharing information about RRMC.
“This is my first time at the show, and I think it is great,” she said. “I love the venue, the set up. It is all so very professional and everyone has brought their best,” she said. She said she appreciated the chance to speak to people personally and share valuable information.
Dontea White had a booth for her company, Bright Star. It is new to Rowan County and is a new Chamber member.
“Bright Star is a life-care company that provides whatever is needed to sustain quality of life with skilled and companionship care in the home,” White explained. “They serve all ages with home health and companionship care in both Rowan and Iredell counties.” White said she was impressed with the show and how everyone was so friendly.
Folks crowded around the Food Lion booth where they had a chance to win gift cards, logo items or Food Lion bags. “This is a good meet-and-greet with the public,” said Martha Bostian, community relations coordinator. She said she enjoyed meeting the public one-on-one.
Nancy Martin, of Wachovia, was a first-time visitor to the show.
“I love it,” she said, “It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be, and there is a lot of great information here,” she added.
The Salisbury Post was the presenting sponsor for the event, and major sponsors included Community Bank of Rowan, Rowan Regional Medical Center, Windstream Communications and The Event Center.
“They make this happen with their generous donations,” says Wright of these sponsors.
A business after hours was held for members after the show sponsored by Comfort Keepers, Duke Energy and Palms Café.