Central Pasco Chamber Gears Up For Annual Expo

Entrepreneurs and area residents are invited to “rock around the clock” with the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce March 4-5 as the organization’s 21st annual Business Expo gets under way.

Gary Williams, the chamber’s president, said the expo is designed to put the spotlight on local businesses. This year, he said, “will be the year of growth for businesses again and the place it will start is the Central Pasco Business Expo.”

The expo is a two-day showcase of about 100 businesses and organizations serving the Central Pasco area. It features a display floor inside the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex where residents can visit booths and learn more about the companies that serve the area.

Residents will find the expo is not only informational, but also fun, said Kathy Dunkley, the chamber’s executive director. With giveaways, food and other special events, such as the Taste of the Town planned, there’s plenty to do. Plus, visitors will get the chance to see the quality of local businesses, Williams added.

Visitors even have a chance to win a $1,000 savings bond. To be included in the drawing, all visitors need to do is stop by expo booths that have clock pictures hanging in their displays. Representatives at those booths will sign an entry form on behalf of their visitors. Completed forms can be entered for a chance to win the drawing.

While the expo is only weeks away, there is still time for businesses to sign up to take part, Dunkley said. With a typical turnout of several thousand visitors from all over the area, the event is one not to miss, she added.

Signing up provides businesses with a way to introduce themselves to potential customers in an environment that’s less formal and offers no pressure.

“You’re there to show them what you can do,” she said. “They (visitors) can approach you without (pressure). It’s a very good way to showcase your business.”

Dunkley said the expo is a good venue for businesses old and new alike.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” she said.

This year’s expo takes place March 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. and March 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Pky. The theme this year is “Rock Around The Clock.”

The Taste of the Town, featuring local restaurants, is set for March 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets for that even are $1 each or six for $5 for food samples. Participating restaurants come from all over Central Pasco. In addition, Saturday’s events also include a cooking demonstration by Chef Ben Pumo of Benedetto’s Italiano Ristorante at 11 a.m. A cake and pie baking contest is also set to take place Saturday.

To find out more about signing up for the expo or taking part in the cake and pie baking contest, contact the chamber at 813-909-2722 or visit centralpascochamber.com. Booths are $100 for chamber members and $135 for non-members. Electric hookups are $15 extra. Sponsorships are also available.

Applications for the expo, Taste of the Town and the baked goods contest are available on the chamber's website. The deadline to enter the baking contest is Feb. 23.