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The Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 28th annual Community Expo on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 4-7 p.m. at the Camp Community College Regional Workforce Development Center in Franklin. 

A chamber news release noted that the focus of this event is to promote local businesses and showcase the many goods and services available locally. 

The theme this year is One Team-One Dream-Executing Excellence “Hometown Tailgate.” 

“We all are on team Franklin-Southampton and look forward to celebrating our local business community,” chamber officials stated. “You will see new faces, new businesses and products, and the chamber is proud to offer this community event. Supporting local is so important as these businesses constantly give back to our community.”

There is no admission fee for the event, and the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend.

“The Expo offers an exceptional opportunity for citizens to learn what products and services are available right here at home,” said Chamber President Marshall Rabil, who is also director of sales and marketing for Hubbard Peanut Company. “I invite everyone to attend 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 do business locally. We appreciate our partners that enable us to host this huge event. Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center is supporting the Expo as the premier sponsor.”

Those attending the Expo will meet two new physicians at the Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center booth. Flu shots will be available along with information about hospital services and available careers.

Following are just a few of the things attendees can do at the Expo: Discover a new service, resource or product, get a flu shot, sample a tasty food product, find a new career, win a door prize. 

“Most importantly, engage in your community and support these businesses that are here for us,” chamber officials stated.

There will be familiar faces; however, attendees will also discover new businesses. A few of the new businesses that will be on-site include Anytime Fitness, Simply Prepared, Knotted Thistle, My Mended Heart and Tidewater Disposal.  

Another popular booth will be the Virginia Department of Unclaimed Property. Attendees can search their database for unclaimed funds. During the last Expo many guests left with a little extra cash.

Chamber Executive Director Teresa Beale noted, “We love hosting this event promoting the area business community and look forward to highlighting the variety of products and services that are offered right here at home. There will be an abundance of interactive booths, shopping, food tastings and door prizes. We welcome you to join us, visit with your friends, and support your hometown team. It’s going to be a fun day!” 

For more details, visit www.fsachamber.com or call 757-562-4900.