For nearly three decades, the Clinton Chamber of Commerce has hosted an annual Business Expo at Andrews Memorial Town Hall. In addition to showcasing local businesses, the 2019 expo, to be held on Saturday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., features local restaurants and food trucks offering food samples and a children’s activity area in the Rose Room.

“It’s become a combination of a community event and a business event—there’s networking going on, there’s food, and it’s a place for families to go with a children’s room,” said Mike Cuoco, who is on the planning committee for the event. “It’s not just for business people, but for people looking for a product or service and finding out about all of the different town businesses and services in one spot.”

Those visiting the free Business Expo will have the chance to check out 45 different vendors, including 25 commercial vendors that will be offering information, raffles, and giveaways. Some of the current businesses include those in banking, finance, insurance, home improvement, senior and home care, and computers. There are a limited number of business booths still available.

“It’s made it so it’s not just for business people, but for people who are looking for a product, service, or information,” said Cuoco. “We have all different businesses and services in one spot. It’s nice because there are businesses that don’t have a storefront, so here’s a way to let people know you’re in town and have something to offer.”

“It’s a very popular event,” said Paul Orsini, the interim executive director of the Chamber.

Orsini has served on the board for the past year and, as the owner of Doc’s Bar and Grill, been a member for the past four years. Doc’s Bar and Grill has participated in the Business Expo over the past three years.

“For me, I didn’t realize how many different types of businesses are actually in town, so getting to know the local business owners from a consumer standpoint was very helpful to me,” he said. “The Business Expo offers one-stop shopping where the vendors really get to showcase their businesses and it’s a great way for the consumers to shop, both for comparison and making local connections.”

There are also currently six businesses and organizations booked for the Children’s Activity Room, which will be held in the Rose Room of Town Hall. The Clinton Rotary Club will again offer free Amber Alert IDs to families and five other groups will host children’s crafts and activities.

“They do very well with the Amber Alert cards...It’s a wonderful service,” said Cuoco. “There will be several activities and crafts in the Rose Room and Kidz Konnection will bring some characters in costume. It will be nice.”

Beyond businesses, the expo also offers opportunities to check out local non-profit and civic organizations that will be on site with information about their groups. There will also be a raffle for a foursome of golf complete with golf carts donated by Clinton Country Club. Tickets ($5 each or 3 for $10) for the raffle will be available at the expo and the drawing will be held at the end of the day.

Cuoco, owner of the Clinton Insurance Center, has been involved with the chamber for 30 years and has always enjoyed this event as well as the other Chamber events. He and Orsini both encourage other local business owners to get involved with the Chamber, which hosts networking events such as Business After Hours and Business Before Hours on a monthly basis and runs seminars on time-sensitive topics such as cyberdata and social media. It also sends out a monthly newsletter that features member business’s events and information.

“The Business Expo is a chance for local vendors to present themselves to Clinton and surrounding areas and hopefully drive a bit of local business community spirit,” said Orsini. “There will be representatives from all aspects of business throughout Clinton as well as sampling the great food from restaurants in town and activities for kids.”

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce 2019 Business Expo is Saturday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street. For information, call 860-669-3889 or visit clintonct.com.