To add a little playfulness to their annual Business Expo, the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce came up with a theme that tied in with the baseball season. Each booth came prepared to Swing for Success. Whether they wore White Sox jerseys or decked their banners with Cubbie loot, everyone was on the same side under the Radisson Star Plaza roof.
Crossroads Member Lisa Gapen said that the Expo Committee wanted something that would pull everything together. Swing for Success encouraged vendors to decorate with their sports team’s colors but it also gave them a goal. To Gapen, it showed their eagerness to succeed.
This is exactly why Crossroads hosts this expo every year. It is a chance for local businesses to showcase what they have to offer. President and CEO Sue Reed said it “shows members of the community that they don’t have to leave Northwest Indiana to get the services they need.”
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NorthShore Health Clinic makes sure to attend every expo they can. Outreach Coordinator Patty Hall said, “There are many types of people who come to expos. Different incomes, different needs. Someone may come in and say ‘Oh, I’ve been looking for a doctor.’”
In that case they would be able to offer their new patient a long list of services, including medical, dental, and urgent care. NorthShore treats everyone, regardless of ability to pay. They use a sliding scale based on income to determine the prices of most procedures.
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Franciscan Alliance was also present to promote their special health screening prices.
Patrick Ferguson, the Operations Manager of LTF Eye Clinics, offered attendees a free vision screening at any branch throughout the region. Events like these bring small companies out of anonymity.
“A lot of people don’t know who we are,” said Ferguson, “And we have to tell them. What’s good about being here is talking to people face to face. It’s better than an ad- here we get feedback.”
The South Shore Convention and Visitor’s Authority came to the expo to spread the word about their Rose Awards. Any business in the community can nominate an employee to be recognized for his or her achievements and strong work ethic.
It is their belief that promoting the exceptional service in our area will bring tourists back. It increases our value as a destination when we have positive people welcoming visitors.
People like John Carter of Valley Fire, who boasted about his company’s fire sprinklers and alarm systems. He called it “the most outrageous, wonderful experience.”
Kimberly Mrak, the Executive Director of Brain Balance, is another good candidate. She taught parents that there is a place to bring their struggling children.
“The Brain Balance Program wants to answer questions,” she said. “To help families understand why and what we are going to do.”
Every vendor did a great job explaining why his or her business was unique. In an expo as comprehensive as the Crossroads one it is difficult not to have crossover. It is these differences that allow each to work together to grow the community.
As Gapen said, “There’s always room for everyone to have their specialty.”
At the Swing for Success Business Expo, everyone has a chance to bat.