By Teresa Beale
Special to The Tidewater News

FRANKLIN
The 21st annual Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Expo is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20, from 3-7 p.m. at the Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Workforce Development Center in Franklin. The goal of the Expo is to promote area businesses and showcase the many goods and services that are available locally.

There is no admission fee for the event and the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. This year’s grand prize has been generously donated by Norfolk International Airport. One lucky attendee will take home a $500 travel certificate for use on any airline serving Norfolk International Airport (American, Delta, Southwest, United, US Airways).

To start off the day, Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. will host “Competing with the Big Boys: How Independent Retailers Win and Keep the Customer” presented by Marc Willson of The Willson Company. This informative session will be in the Technology Theater from 1-3 p.m. To register for this free training call 562-1958 or email acotton@franklinsouthamptonva.com.

“The Expo offers an exceptional opportunity for citizens to learn what products and services the local business community has to offer, said Chamber President Bobby Cutchins of Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care. “I invite everyone to join us and chat one on one with these local business owners. It is vital to our entire community that residents buy local and support area businesses.”

Of the over 50 vendors, there will be familiar faces but new vendors as well. Some of the special activities for 2014: Gold Sponsor, Southampton Memorial Hospital will offer “Meet our Physicians” and information on the Health Insurance Marketplace. They will also offer free cholesterol checks.

The VA Dept. of the Treasury Division of Unclaimed Property can help you find your money through their database search. At last year’s Expo a combined amount of over $50,000 was discovered for various local attendees. Check out the Big Green Egg. Sample beverages from Keurig Green Mountain and try the delicious flavors of Jus CAB Kakes. Farm Fresh will be offering flu shots and a wine and food tasting. Tune in to Real Country 101.7 for a live broadcast from the event.

Guests will learn about several Chamber initiatives. New features launched on the Chamber’ website will be highlighted. The easy to use interactive FSA Community Calendar, Job Postings, News, and Hot Deals are all new features that will encourage community engagement while promoting local businesses.

Members of the Chamber’s young professionals group, FUEL, will be on site with information about their mission and activities.

Complimentary Chamber Rx Prescription cards will also be available at the Chamber booth. This discount card offers a savings of 10 percent to 85 percent on prescription costs and is accepted at all local pharmacies.

Jim Carroll, executive director of the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center will be available to chat with those seeking advice on starting or running a business.

There will be plenty of interactive booths, door prizes and delicious food. Guests can stop by and eat a bite at the event or pick up something tasty to take home from Bojangles, The Huddle House and The Village Back Porch and Grille.

Chamber Executive Director Teresa Beale said, “We are showcasing the area’s business community and look forward to highlighting the variety of wonderful products and services that are offered right here at home. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy this annual community event. It’s going to be a fun day! Remember, ‘Put Your Money Where Your Home Is.’”

For detailed information visit www.mychamberexpo.com or call 562-4900.

“Your local businesses appreciate your support.”