membership development Business Expo 2023

The Annual Small Business Luncheon kicked off the Business Expo with keynote speaker Amanda Wilbanks, entrepreneur and founder of Southern Baked Pie Company. (L-R) Kit Dunlap, Chamber; Alex and Amanda Wilbanks, Southern Baked Pie; Chris Brown, Delta Community Credit Union (lunch sponsor); Jennette Cox , HRASimple (speaker sponsor).

The Business Expo on February 16 was presented by AccessWDUN. (L-R) Joy Holmes, John Jacobs, Bill Maine and Craig Shoemaker. The AccessWDUN team provided digital business cards (a great idea!) for attendees and received the "Most Educational" exhibit award. Over 400 people enjoyed business-to-business networking, door prizes, giveaways and more.

Southern Baked Pie's Amanda Wilbanks (right) autographs her cookbook for Kay Cochran of Cochran Brothers Electric at the Small Business Luncheon at the Business Expo. Some 150 Chamber members attended the event that included a delicious meal catered by Southern Baked Pie Company

David Camalier, General Manager of Avocados and Hopscotch, brought several outstanding menu items to his exhibit for attendees to taste at the Business Expo. 60 exhibitors were on hand for the Expo on February 16 at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.

Chick-fil-A Gainesville's Betsy Pruitt received the "Most Creative" Exhibit Award from Ellie Parker, Chamber VP Membership Events.

Chris Brown and Christy Wagner received the "Most Engaging" Exhibit Award at the Delta Community Credit Union booth.

(L-R) Shane Evans, Trey Chesser and Luis Carlos, Jr. of the Conditioned Air Systems Team. Conditioned Air was a Business Expo Gold Sponsor along with Millie's Drapery & Decorating and The Times. Silver Sponsors included Alliant Health Plans, BGW Dental Group, CocaCola Gainesville United, Gainesville Mechanical, KLS Chiropractic, Lanier Federal Credit Union, Milton Martin Honda, New Leaf Landscape and Wilson Orthodontics. Thank you, event sponsors!