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STAFF REPORT

FRANKLIN

“Home-grown” is the theme for the 26th annual Community Expo, which takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Regional Workforce Development Center of Camp Community College in Franklin.

The Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce is the host, and executive director Teresa Beale stated in a press release that, “The focus of this event is to promote area businesses and showcase the many goods and services available locally. … We enjoy an abundance of home-grown businesses, products and people, and the Chamber is proud to showcase all that they have to offer. Supporting these businesses is so important as these local businesses constantly give back to the community.”

Admission is free, and if you need yet another reason to visit, this year’s grand prize has donated by Norfolk International Airport. Everyone who attends has a chance to win a $500 gift card on any airline serving the airport.

Chamber president Meghan Councill, who is also an investment executive at Davenport & Company, added, “The Expo offers an exceptional opportunity for citizens to learn what products and services are available right here at home, said Chamber President, Meghan Councill, investment executive at Davenport & Company. “I invite everyone to join us to 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 and Enviva are generously supporting the Expo as Gold sponsors this year.”

At Enviva’s booth, you can learn how the company uses local raw product to produce wood pellets and learn the many ways this company is vital to Western Tidewater.

Southampton Memorial Hospital will offer “Meet the Doctor,” flu shots and information about upcoming “In the Know” sessions and the Medical Detox Program.

Beale said there are many things to do at the vent, but, “Most importantly, engage in your community and support those who support us.”

Among the 50-plus vendors will be Farmers Bank, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Spoken Interior Homes will decorate the lobby with a holiday display. Inside

When entering the lobby, you will be greeted by a holiday display by Spoken Interior Homes. Inside, The Travel Girl Company can help you plan a vacation. Nearby, the new VPC Gourmet Market will bring several of its products.

Silver sponsors this year are: Bronco Federal Credit Union; Coldwell Banker Professional Realtors; Franklin Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep; Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc.; McDonalds and Norfolk International Airport.

Offering food tastings will be: Belmont Peanuts of Southampton; Bojangles, Hampton Farms, Hubbard Peanut Co., Inc., Feridies, McDonalds, The Village Back Porch & Grille and VPC Gourmet Market.

Writer Phyllis Speidell & photographer John Sheally will be stationed at the Chamber’s booth to autograph their book “The Mill, The Franklin Mill from Camp to International Paper.” Published 10 years ago, autographed copies are available for $10 each. There’s also an Expo special: Buy two books and get the third for only $5.

“We love hosting this annual event to promote the area business community,” said Beale. “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, food tastings and door prizes. Historically, we have over 500 guests, so we invite you to join us, 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.”