Published Sunday, October 12, 2008

BigExpo showcases businesses Thursday

The Times-Herald

Coweta County's biggest business exposition -- "Delta Community Credit Union BigExpo 2008" -- will be presented by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce Thursday at the Summit Family YMCA.

It is the first of two major efforts in support of Coweta County business this month, being followed Oct. 22 with a report on a Chamber-sponsored study of the county's economy.

BigExpo 2008 will feature 100 exhibitors who offer products and services to Coweta businesses and consumers. Doors open for business-to-business networking from 1-5 p.m., and to the general public from 5-7 p.m. Cost for general admission is $5.

"In the face of a slower economy, the BigExpo really focuses on the great companies that are here in Coweta and what we can do to support them," said Jenny Fritz, vice president with Southern Community Bank and Chamber chairperson for the event. "Many of the area's largest employers will be joining our exhibitors for a special 'Think Coweta First' business-to-business networking session. We'll also have an exhibitors' lounge hosted by Contemporary Catering, Inc."

"Think Coweta First" will provide "a great opportunity to become better acquainted with many of our diverse businesses," said Fritz.

"BigExpo is a great place to learn about other businesses and generate new leads for your own business," Fritz added.

Fritz said that BigExpo can also mean big dollars for exhibitors.

"Our research shows that most exhibitors gather at least 20-30 solid sales leads at this event, and showcase their offerings to about 300 qualified prospects each hour. It's really rare to find so many potential customers concentrated in one time and place."

Delta Community Credit Union is the title sponsor of BigExpo 2008. Summit Family YMCA is the facilities sponsor.

Other corporate sponsors include: Ashley Park, Bank of Coweta, Canongate Golf Clubs, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Inches-A-Weigh, Newnan Utilities, NuLink, PAPP Clinic, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Relyco, Smile Center of Fayette, SouthTowne Motors, Toyota of Newnan and WOW Advertising. Media sponsors are Comcast Spotlight, Magic 98.1 and WCOH AM 1400.

The Summit Family YMCA is at 1764 East Highway 34.

The Chamber of Commerce is also sponsoring a Coweta County Economic Summit Oct. 22, from 8:30 a.m. until noon at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts, 1523 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan.

Coweta's economic trends (1977 to present) will be presented at the forum, along with components of Coweta's economy, thoughts on the relative strength of Coweta's economy, comparative growth analysis (including statistical growth data compared with Georgia and five other communities), and possible underlying causes, remedies and opportunities.

The economic summit is sponsored by AT&T, Atlanta Gas Light, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Georgia Power and Newnan Utilities

For information, call the Chamber at 770-253-2270.