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As reported last week, the Franklin Southampton Chamber of Commerce has had to severely modify its Expo, which take place annually in November. Rather than getting to meet a few dozen businesses personally — and score some swag — the 27th annual event is taking place online through this Saturday, Nov. 21.

As executive director Teresa Beale alerted readers, visit the Chamber’s Facebook or Instagram pages at 9:30 a.m. to find out the “Hot Deals of the Day,” which are being offered by local businesses for that day only.

We commend the chamber for its inventive way to promote city and county businesses and industries through this virtual gathering. Related to that, please go to A5 in today’s paper and read the column by Lauren Sloan of the Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. (FSEDI). On behalf of that agency, she encourages residents to patronize local businesses first before resorting to either traveling or going online to look elsewhere.

We join in that call to “engage in your community and support those who support you. It’s the right thing to do.”

You can learn more by visiting www.fsachamber.com/your-hometown, or calling 562-4900. The FSEDI can be contacted at 757-562-1958 or www.franklinsouthamptonva.com.