In the business world, it is often said the best advertising is word of mouth. That’s what organizers of the 2008 Business Expo are banking on.

Both established businesses in the Vicksburg area and those looking to enter the market will have the opportunity next month to make an impression on potential customers and interface with other businesses at the 2008 Business Expo.

“This is a great way for businesses to get their name out in the public,” said Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christi Kilroy. “In a small community like ours, people do business with people they know and trust. This is an opportunity for people to meet those who own and operate the businesses in our community and for businesses to network with each other.”

If you go

The 2008 Business Expo will be at the Vicksbug Convention Center on Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, with exhibit booths closed from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for exhibitors and other participants to enjoy a luncheon featuring a motivational speaker. The expo is open to the public and free of charge. Luncheon tickets are $20. Businesses interested in having an exhibit booth at the expo should contact the Vicksburg-Warren  County Chamber of Commerce by Friday at 601-630-2910.

The Vicksburg Convention Center and the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to present the expo at the convention center, which will feature a motivational speaker and luncheon. Kilroy said the speaker will be announced soon.

Last year the VCC hosted a business expo in conjunction with its 10th anniversary celebration. The event drew about 30 businesses from a range of industries inside and outside Vicksburg that set up exhibit booths. It is the only expo of its kind in Vicksburg, and Kilroy said the chamber is hoping to fill all 70 of the available booths this year.

“This is something that really makes sense for any type of business. Last year we had everyone from retail businesses to hotels, restaurants, manufacturers and other industries represented,” said Kilroy. “Some people just don’t realize what a diverse industry and service base we have here in Vicksburg, and this is a chance to showcase all we have.”

Businesses participating this year will be asked to decorate their exhibit booths in a sports theme, with a prize being awarded to the best decorated booth.

The 2008 Business Expo will be at the VCC Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, with exhibit booths closed from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the luncheon and motivational speaker. The event is open to the public and free of charge, however, tickets to the luncheon are $20. Chamber members receive a discounted rate on exhibit booths, and those interested in securing a space should contact the chamber by Friday at 601-630-2910. 

“When we decided to do the business expo last year we didn’t know how it would go over, but the businesses that participated really loved having the opportunity to network with the public and establish some relationships with other businesses in the community,” said VCC Executive Director Larry Gawronski.  “We’re hoping that we can continue to grow and expand the expo, and possibly present it as a two-day event in the future.”