Oct. 19, 2007 — From consumer banking to home decor and furnishings, a wide array of local businesses and services are on display this weekend at the Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Expo, which runs until Saturday afternoon at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas.
Now in its 25th year, the Business Expo has evolved over the years, growing from smaller single-product fairs to a full-fledged event, putting a range of services and products at residents' fingertips. This year, 41 businesses and community organizations are participating, says Joe Aubain, executive director of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce.
There are a number of new entries this year, including car dealerships such as John's Auto Center and artisans such as Silvia E. Kahn, Aubain said. Born in Venezuela, the St. Thomas-based Kahn offers residents a wide array of gouache-on-paper prints that depict everything from local flora and fauna to portraits.
Around the gym floor residents can also join in interactive booths, such as the media station provided by Choice Communications, and the portable putting green sported by the group from FirstBank V.I. Those stopping to take in a little putting practice can also learn about various consumer-banking programs and learn how to do their banking online at a hands-on computer station.
Similar booths have also been set up by groups from Scotia Bank and Banco Popular.
Jewelry, home furnishings and colorful clothes also pack the floor, along with booths of representatives eager to explain the services they offer to the community. From the V.I Auto Club, an agency offering emergency car services, to Tropical Shipping, each booth is chock full of written information and small giveaway items, ranging from pens to mini beach balls.
Food is also available at the event, which opened on Friday afternoon and ends at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Start time Saturday is 9:30 a.m.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
