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The Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 29th annual Community Expo on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 4-7 p.m. at the Camp Community College Regional Workforce Development Center in Franklin. 

A chamber news release stated that local businesses will showcase the many goods and services available in the Franklin-Southampton Area. The theme this year is “Team FSA – Accomplish Goals for Community Gold.” 

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

There is no admission fee 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 Will Holt, of Kaufman & Canoles. “I invite everyone to attend and chat one-on-one with our local business owners. Of every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $67 stays in our local economy. It is vital to our entire community that residents do business locally.”

Chamber officials expressed appreciation for all the chamber’s partners that enable it to host this sizable event. 

“Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center, RE/MAX Country to Coast and Dominion Energy are supporting the Expo as Gold sponsors,” officials stated. “We are also fortunate to have many Silver and Bronze sponsors supporting this event.”

The Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center booth will feature information about new providers. Flu shots will be available along with information about hospital services and available careers.

At the Dominion Energy booth, Expo attendees can learn more about saving energy and have fun testing out their electrical lineman skills.

Attendees can stop by the RE/MAX Country to Coast booth and sign up for a free market analysis of their home. Learn about available properties and what is going on in the local real estate market.

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, find a new career, win a door prize. 

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

Everyone in attendance can enter to win the fantastic Grand Prize donated by Kelsey Derby, RE/MAX Country to Coast. Relax and “Celebrate the Win” with a weekend stay at a beautiful four-bedroom cottage in the Outer Banks, available December-April 1.

Another popular booth at the Expo will be the Virginia Treasury – Unclaimed Property. Attendees can search their database for unclaimed funds. During the 2023 Expo more than $16,000 was found for some lucky local guests.

Chamber Executive Director Teresa Beale noted, “We love hosting this event to promote 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 and door prizes. We encourage everyone 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. 

“Local businesses appreciate your support,” Beale said.