The Lacombe Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Spring Trade Show for the 37th year.
The event, which is held at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex from April 20th to the 21st, is one of the Chamber’s staple events according to Chamber Executive Director Monica Bartman.
“It is something that happens at the same time every year, people look forward to it and it is a great way to check out organizations and businesses in town,” she said.
“It is also a great way to reconnect with neighbors as people are coming out of hibernation after the winter.”
Bartman said the Trade Show provides a venue for local businesses to collaborate, advertise and share new products.
“The vendors are often making connections with each other that turn into partnerships and collaboration down the road,” she said. “That is something we see as being really important and effective in our community.
“We are a smaller centre and the ability to work together is really key for everyone’s success.”
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Every year, the Chamber does a debrief after the Trade Show in order to improve the event year over year.
“This year we have a food truck that will be onsite for the whole weekend and on Saturday we will have the McDonald’s McCafe trailer that will be on site giving away hot coffee and ice coffee to attendees,” she said.
Bartman said another important aspect of this year’s event is the collaboration between Lacombe Ford and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
During the Trade Show, when you use the hashtag #LacombeTS and tag @LacombeFord on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook — Lacombe Ford will donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
You can also snap a selfie with “Phil” at the Trade Show using the hashtag #LacombeTS, which will enter you to win a $1,500 Ultimate Care Package.
Bartman said the Chamber’s partnership with Lacombe Ford as been crucial to the event.
“Last year we came up with this other way to work together,” she said. “It helps us because we know where the funds are coming from and we have more flexibility to get creative and try to new things.
“It is exciting for us to have members in the community who are supportive of what we are doing.”
In total, there are 17 sponsors who help put on the event, along with Chamber members who ensure the weekend goes to plan.
“Our Board is very involved helping us come up with different strategies and ideas for the Trade Show and also being with us throughout the weekend to help us promote what we have going on,” Bartman said.
“We often have other volunteers from our membership that will often do a shift or two to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
More information about the event can be found at lacombechamber.ca.
todd.vaughan@redddeerexpress.com
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