Regional Chamber Business Showcase Takes Place May 1
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber will present its 2014 Business Showcase events at 5 p.m. May 1 at Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center in Boardman.
Partnering with the chamber are Youngstown State University and the Youngstown Business Incubator who will have representatives on hand to answer questions, with networking, resources and mentoring opportunities. Also new this year is Center Stage Live, which features product demonstrations that include Mastropietro Wine Tasting 101, Michael Alberini's Sultry Sautee cooking and PMG Chocolatier.
“The exhibitors at the Business Showcase have always been the heart of the event,” said Kim Calvert, chamber vice president of marketing and business services. “And after nearly 20 years of our holding the show, we wanted to retool the day to promote our member companies even more and present attendees with unique opportunities that are fun and informative.”
The sponsor of the showcase is Anthem BlueCross Blue Shield. Media sponsors are The Business Journal and Y-103.
Before the showcase, there will be a new Business Showcase Speed Networking brunch from 10:15 a.m. to noon at Mr. Anthony’s. Afterward, Bob Willis, executive director of Business Networking International, will give a presentation on networking styles and tools. Then, registrants will be strategically assigned to groups for a 30-minute networking session. Cost is $25 for chamber members, $35 for those who aren’t.
This year’s Business Showcase After Hours will offer the same vendors as the afternoon event plus more live demonstrations, such as Palo’s Marketing Madness with PALO Creative President Rob Palowitz, who will provide one-on-one marketing critiques.
This year’s After Hours also will stage a “Battle of the Breweries,” a craft beer competition. Ohio brewing companies Rust Belt, Thirsty Dog, Lagerheads and Mt. Carmel, among others, will go head to head (really!) in a people’s choice competition. For the foodies, another people’s choice competition, the “Wich Hunt,” will allow the audience to name the Valley’s most delicious sandwich from an array assembled by chamber member chefs.
The event sponsor is American Business Center Inc.
The main Business Showcase event, scheduled from noon to 4:30 p.m., is free to the public. To register for showcase events, visit the chamber website and click on Upcoming Events.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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