Warwick chamber plans business ‘expo' in May

Sponsor WVT Communications donates $7,500 WARWICK - The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a premier business-to-business and business-to-consumer “Expo” all day Saturday, May 3, at the Warwick Valley Middle School. On Jan. 31, Duane Albro, president and CEO of WVT Communications, presented a $7,500 check to Expo Chair Diane Massey. The company is the corporate sponsor for the event. “We at WVT Communications want to help our local businesses grow and stay in our community,” said Albro. “An Expo is a wonderful opportunity for home businesses and businesses located off the beaten path to show their stuff. People may find products and services that they need but didn’t know were available right in this local area.” According to Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, the expo will celebrate local products and services as well as a networking opportunity for participants. Non-profit organizations also are invited to exhibit. A job fair component and educational breakout sessions are included and both will be open to the public. “This venue,” said Diane Massey, “will provide businesses an opportunity to expose goods and services, fill vacant jobs and develop new customers and business contacts.” More than 100 businesses are expected to exhibit. The list of potential exhibitors includes restaurants, retail stores, financial advisors, accountants, Realtors, contractors, non-profit organizations, custom gift suppliers, telecommunication firms, health care providers and more. Neighboring communities, including Vernon, N.J., are encouraged to participate and attend. With its contribution, WVT Communications also earned special sponsorship benefits as a “Partner.” Additional sponsorships, as a partner, patron or associate with an accompanying benefit package, are currently available. According to chamber officials, the expo is designed to demonstrate the strength, variety and high-level of businesses, services and products available locally. They also said it will be valuable for businesses that do not have a “storefront” by increasing local awareness of their company and helping expand their customer base. The chamber is now taking registrations for exhibitor booths. The cost for chamber members is $175 and $295 for non-chamber members. The later fee includes a one-year Warwick Valley Chamber membership. For more information on the expo, contact Chamber Executive Director Michael Johndrow at 845-986-2720 or Event Chair Diane Massey at 845-325-2247.