by Teresa Beale

FRANKLIN
The 24th annual Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Expo is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Regional Workforce Development Center of Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin. The focus of the Expo is to promote area businesses and showcase the many goods and services that are available locally.

The theme of this year’s event is “We’re as Local as it Gets. Think Local — Buy Local — Be Local.” Vendors will showcase their local products and how their business supports the local community. There is no admission fee for the event and the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend.

This year’s grand prize has been generously donated by Norfolk International Airport. One lucky attendee will take home a $500 travel certificate for use on any airline serving Norfolk International Airport (Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Southwest, United.) Everyone that attends will be entered to win this prize.

“The Expo offers an exceptional opportunity for citizens to learn what products and services the local business community has to offer,” said Chamber President Pam Lease of Bronco Federal Credit Union.  “I invite everyone to join us and chat one on one with these local business owners.

“Of every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in our local economy. It is absolutely vital to our entire community that residents buy local and support area businesses. We appreciate our many sponsors for partnering with us to host this huge event, in particular our Local Legend sponsors, Southampton Memorial Hospital, Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. and Real Country 101.7.”

Of the over 50 vendors, there will be familiar faces but many new products as well. Ten new vendors will also attend this year. Southampton Memorial Hospital will offer “Meet our Physicians,” Flu Shots and food samples from their new chef. Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. will guide attendees through being a “local tourist” and offer a chance to win a Yeti cooler.

Bring your wallet and shop with merchants such as the Cat’s Meow, Mackan’s, The Peanut Patch and more. Learn about new products and services from Local Hero sponsor, Bronco Federal Credit Union.

There will also be food to sample and/or take out from Bojangles, Franklin Seafood & Steakhouse, Airfield 4-H Conference Center, The Village at Woods Edge and Southampton Memorial Hospital.

Complimentary Chamber Rx Prescription cards will be available at the Chamber booth. This discount card offers a savings of 10-85 percent on prescription costs and is accepted at all local pharmacies.

Chamber Executive Director Teresa Beale said, “We love hosting this annual event to support the area business community and we look forward to highlighting the variety of wonderful products and services that are offered right here at home. There will be an abundance of interactive booths, door prizes and delicious food.

Historically we have over 500 guests so we invite you to attend, visit with your friends and enjoy this community event. It’s going to be a fun day.”

For more details visit www.fsachamber.com or call 562-4900. Your local businesses appreciate your support.

 

TERESA BEALE is executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at 562-4900 or teresa@fsachamber.com.