New logo, new focus for annual Seacoast Business Expo
Seven chambers of commerce in southern Maine and New Hampshire have been hosting an annual business-to-business expo for 16 years. This year, chamber organizers agreed that it was time for a new look and a new focus for the event.
The new 2004 logo and name, “Bridging the Seacoast,” demonstrates clearly the significance of the bi-state effort to create a larger and more powerful marketplace for area businesses.
The event, to be held Oct. 28 at Flextronics at Pease International Tradeport, will begin with a keynote luncheon featuring Marilyn Berry. Sponsors of the luncheon are Public Service of New Hampshire, D.F. Richard, Lightship Telecom, LifeSize Graphics and Northeast Credit Union.
The expo floor will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. Throughout the afternoon, major door prizes will be drawn, including airline tickets, a $300 travel voucher, tickets to a major sporting event with free limo service and $200 worth of free fuel. Attendees at the event will be encouraged to network via a series of special self-promotion activities. Several business development workshops will be offered throughout the afternoon as well.
From 5 to 7 that evening, the seven chambers will host a joint Business After Hours. Galley Hatch Catering, J. Ellen’s Café and Wine Bar, Warren’s Lobster House and the Orchard Street Chop Shop will provide refreshments. A cash bar will be available.
Participating vendors will receive a free keynote luncheon ticket. They also will be invited to attend a special Sept. 16 workshop presented by Exhibit Source of Maine. The workshop will assist vendors in getting the most out of their expo experience.
In order to participate in the expo, vendors must be members of one of the seven sponsoring chambers of commerce. Space is limited, and registrations are now being accepted.
The event is sponsored by the Dover, Rochester, Portsmouth, Exeter, Somersworth, Hampton and Yorks chambers of commerce.
Daystar Computer Services and BayRing Communications will provide free Web access for vendors as well as e-mail and Web access for attendees in the expo’s new Internet Café.
PSNH is the underwriter of the “Bridging the Seacoast” business expo.
Major sponsors of the event include Lightship Telecom, Unitil, TTLC, LifeSize Graphics, Northeast Credit Union, Feliciano Limousine and D.F. Richard.
New Hampshire Business Review will once again be a media partner. The New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development and Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve will again be presenting partners.
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center offices in both Maine and New Hampshire will participate, along with representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The event is open to chamber members and their guests. Admission is $15 per person. The luncheon is $20 per person and includes admission to the expo.
For luncheon reservations, call the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce at 207-363-4422. For more information about becoming a vendor or attending the event, contact your local chamber office or visit seacoastexpo.com.
