The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Best of the Northwest Expo featured 77 vendors showcasing themselves and networking with others at the Radisson Star Plaza on Wednesday.
Their fresh ideas to focus on what the consumer would really want from the expo brought in 22 more vendors than last year and a line waiting for the event to begin, a first in the event’s history.
“The goal is to showcase the local business to the consumers so they know what they have to offer," said Bryan Lazorik of Bryco Services, who co-organized the event with Lisa Gapen of Generate. "There are many great things for the consumers to experience, from hearing test to eye test it's a great way for the consumer to get to know the businesses."
Gapen said she and Lazorik had “a great time organizing the event.”
“We had really great support from the Crossroads Staff. We set some really big goals we it looks like we surpassed our goal," she added.
Consumers snacked on food from T.J. Maloney's and Strack and Van Til. Wine samples were available from Cooper's Hawk. Massages were available from Route 2 Wellness. Fun dance music from Five star DJ & Karaoke Entertainment was heard throughout the room. The Bryco Services toilet toss was by far a favorite of everyone attending.
The expo included several sponsors, with Franciscan Alliance serving as the main sponsor and corporate sponsors such as Methodist Hospitals (legacy), Centier Bank, First Merchant’s Bank, Horizon Bank (executive), People’s Bank and Avalon Springs Health Campus (presenting).
Crossroads Chamber Secretary Rosemary De St. Jean said the expo “brings all people together to market, network together and enjoy being together."
Other sponsors included Bryco Services, Inc., Bosak Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Indiana Wesleyan University, VIA Marketing Inc., Prairie Point Apartments, Five Star DJ & Karaoke, TradeWinds Rehabilitation Center/TW Sign Shoppe, Lincoln Office , LLC, Innovative Property Tax Solution, Generate Sales & Marketing, Post -Tribune, De Fib Solutions, Inc., and the Times Media Company.
Steven Isakson of Bosak Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram was more than happy to be a part of the sponsor’s list.
“We have been active in the NWI community for the last 85 years and love to continue to show our support to the community as they have always showed support for Bosak," he said.
Aside from being a wonderful showcase of local business, the Chamber put together several impressive raffle prizes.
The expo’s main prize was a "Taste of the Region" package worth over $500. The winner, our very own LIFER Deanna Grimes, will experience great area dining with gift cards to area restaurants, take advantage of a night away with a free stay at Raddison, two tickets to Wise-crackers, and lunch at T.J. Maloney's. She will also have a chance to win a Wine Tasting for 4 at Cooper's Hawk and a $75 Barbara Jean's Gourmet gift basket.