By Seth DuChene
Editor
The Napanee and District Chamber of Commerce says it wants to get the word out early for its first-ever Lifestyle Showcase, which will happen in late October.
The Lifestyle Showcase builds off the group’s previous business and community showcases, which have happened in the last two years. If all goes as planned, it’ll give local customers a better understanding of the local business community and what it has to offer.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 26 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lafarge Banquet Hall at the Strathcona Paper Centre. The event is free to attend for the public.
According to the NDCC President Jennifer Maloney, the Lifestyle Showcase will feature a broader appeal than the other events, a change at least partly precipitated by feedback from past participants. “Previously, we’ve had more of a business-to-business focus versus a business-to-public approach,” she said on Monday.
“What do businesses want? They want customers through their door,” NDCC Executive Director Megan Smith said. “They want people to shop locally. So, we’re wanting to bring the community to those businesses. (We also want to) give that business-to-business aspect, but really focus on that customer and that consumer.”
Smith adds that they’ve got a few incentives in store to appeal to the public. “To bring people in, we’re going to offer live demonstrations at the top of every half-hour. We’re going to have lots of giveaways and draw prizes, as well as a charity barbecue. With that in mind, we’re advertising to the public and to the community to bring them into this event,” she said.
The fact that the event is being held only a couple months before Christmas means visitors might have a chance to get a jump on their holiday planning and purchasing, Smith says.
The NDCC also hopes that it gets participants on board early so they’re able to prepare for the showcase well in advance. They’re aiming for a broad cross-section of different business, from storefronts to manufacturers to home-based businesses. “As the tables sell and the exhibitors come in, we will be advertising and promoting who’s coming so people are aware,” Smith said.
The NDCC says first choice for involvement will go to NDCC members. They can also take advantage of an early-bird registry fee for those who sign on before Aug. 31.
“There are also sponsorship opportunities,” adds Smith. “We have a lead sponsor, six spots for ‘gold ‘and six spots for ‘silver’. There is an opportunity if people don’t have the time to have their own exhibitor table that day. They are able to give in other ways, either through door prizes or giveaways or through that sponsorship opportunity.”
The event itself will be free to the public to attend.
For more information or to book your spot at the event, contact Smith at 613-354-6601 or e-mail businessmanager@napaneechamber.ca.