FRANKLIN
The 25th annual Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Expo will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Regional Workforce Development Center at Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin. The purpose is to promote area businesses and showcase the many goods and services that are available locally. The theme this year is “There’s No Place Like Home.”

The event is free of charge, and the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. This year’s grand prize has been generously donated by Norfolk International Airport. Attendees can enter to win a $500 gift card on any airline serving Norfolk International Airport.

“The Expo offers an exceptional opportunity for citizens to learn what products and services are available right here at home,” said Chamber President Kim Marks, who is also the CEO of Southampton Memorial Hospital, “I invite everyone to join us and to meet and chat one-on-one with local business owners. Of every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in our local economy. It is vital to our entire community that residents shop locally. We appreciate our many sponsors for partnering with us to host this huge event. Southampton Memorial Hospital is proud to participate as a Gold sponsor.”

Of the over 50 vendors, there will be familiar faces, but there will also be several new businesses this year. Franklin Hometown Pharmacy will be there to update everyone about its services and plans for the upcoming opening. A few of the special activities for 2018 include Southampton Memorial Hospital  offer to “Meet Our Physicians;” as well as flu shots and information about skilled care and the medical detox program.

Bring your wallet and shop with merchants such as The Busy Bee, Cat’s Meow, Mackan’s and more. Learn about new products and services from Silver sponsors, Bronco Federal Credit Union, Farm Credit, Franklin Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Real Country 101.7.

There will also be food to sample and or purchase from Bojangles, The Cove at Cypress Cove Country Club, Hampton Farms, Hubbard Peanut Co. Inc., The Peanut Patch and The Village at Woods Edge. The Virginia Department of Treasury will be hand to search their database for any unclaimed property.

Complimentary Chamber Rx Prescription cards will also be available at the Expo. This discount card offers a savings of 10 percent to 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, shopping, 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.”

For more details about the expo, visit www.fsachamber.com or contact Beale at 562-4900.