FRANKLIN—Planners of the 15th annual Business Expo hope area residents will take a few hours to check out what’s happening with local merchants, as well as get a little shopping in.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the general public to see what the local business community has to offer,” said Chamber President Lauren Harper. “We encourage residents to do business locally and the expo is a great place to start your holiday shopping.”

The expo, which is sponsored by the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce, will be held at the Paul D. Camp Community College Workforce Development Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 20.

“This will be our seventh year at the Workforce Development Center,” said Chamber Executive Director Teresa Beale. “This venue offers the space and technology we need with ample parking for our guests.”

To showcase local eateries, Fred’s, Pam’s Tea Room, Cypress Cove Country Club, Southern Sisters Bakery & Eatery, D.P.’s Cheesecake and Simply Divine have teamed up for the new “Many Mini Tastes of Franklin-Southampton” as well. Each eatery will contribute to a “box lunch” for $10. Some of the goodies inside the box lunch include a crab cake, chicken salad, cheesecake and nuts.

The Acoustic Trio, Ed and Mo Canada and George Atkins, will perform from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and WLQM 101.7 FM will be on site during the event with a live remote broadcast, interviewing vendors and announcing ongoing activities.

Attendees also will have a chance to share their ideas and put their names in a drawing for a $100 shopping spree with Chamber Certifichecks.

Each person who arrives at the expo will be given a comment card, which, when filled out to vote for the People’s Choice Award, automatically enters the person into the drawing for the $100.

The Certifichecks, which also can be purchased at the expo, can be spent at any Chamber member business.

Beale said the expo is a great way to get to know how businesses contribute to the community, and what they offer.

“We like to see people buy from their neighbors and shop at home,” Beale said. “We really have a lot of variety of products and services available right here. Local (business) people support girl scouts, schools, local sports teams. They’re putting money back into the community to make the community better,” she said.