Community, businesses connect through showcase
IMPERIAL — As the new year is underway, local businesses took the advantage to connect with the local community and other businesses as part of the 20th annual Joint Chambers of Commerce Business Showcase here Thursday.
The event took place at the Preble Building inside the Imperial Valley Expo which had a good turnout of businesses and community members alike.
Showcase coordinator Jeanette McLaughlin said one of the best aspects of the events is having new businesses reach out to the community.
“This is what we feel is a great opportunity for the businesses to meet the public. It also helps guests to put a face to the business when they leave here, to allow them to put a name to their face,” McLaughlin said.
The showcase is an important event because businesses can show what they are all about, exhibitors can talk about the services or products they offer to the community and the restaurants provided a taste of their food.
During the event, there was a raffle for cash prizes of $250, $500 and $1,000 held throughout the night in addition to exhibitors holding their own raffles.
Eduardo Tercero, a resident of El Centro, said he wanted to get a glimpse of what some of the local restaurants offer and try some of the food samples given at the event.
“Since I live here in El Centro I haven’t had a chance to try the food from places like Inferno and Town Pump Steakhouse,” he said. “I really liked the samples they had.”
Christina Rocha of Imperial said she comes to the event often just to see some of the services local businesses offer that she may not have been aware of, while at the event she had the opportunity to get a haircut from Style’s & Smiles Beauty Salon.
“I hadn’t been there before. I liked what they did with me,” she said.
Another important aspect of the showcase is not just to the community to connect with businesses but also it becomes a networking opportunity for all the local business. McLaughlin said the local chambers got some new members due to the interest of some of the businesses to take part in the event.
“In general, it’s a great opportunity for the community to come and see what the Imperial Valley has to offer, meet the owners and support the businesses in their community,” McLaughlin said.