Chamber's Business Showcase Preview

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Showcase offers business owners — whether they’re budding entrepreneurs wanting to expose their company to new clientele or a successful owner looking to expand their network — a setting to achieve their business goals. This year’s event takes place on March 7 at the Holiday Inn Expo Center.
The chamber expects more than 130 local businesses to participate in this year’s showcase. Co-chair of the chamber’s showcase committee Allie Marrone, of Roto-Rooter Drain Cleaning, says the showcase is a great way to connect with other local business owners and find companies to connect with, from innovative tech-firms to event planning agencies to prominent hotel chains. The showcase hosts a wide variety of products and services to inspire brands to flourish.
In addition to the showcase itself, longstanding members of the Columbia Chamber are encouraged to attend the Chamber Quarterly Membership Breakfast, held the morning of March 7 from 7 to 9, as well as the Women’s Network Luncheon, which begins around 11:30. Those who attend the membership breakfast will receive free admission to the showcase later that day. However, the showcase itself is open to all members of the public with an admission fee of $5. Tickets can be purchased beforehand at the chamber’s building or upon entry to the showcase.
Executive speaker Justin Patton will give the keynote speech at the Women’s Network luncheon. Through an interactive presentation, Patton will explore how individuals can connect and communicate with impact. Light appetizers and drinks will be also be available at the showcase, in addition to any samples given out by vendors who purchased booths for the event. A 50/50 fundraiser raffle will also make its first debut at this year’s showcase, and registration is available online.
For more tips and tricks to make your showcase experience successful, check out CBT’s guide to a business expo.