Chamber to Host Annual Trade Show

Editor's note: This article was edited to correct an error in Nicole Bengtson's title.

The will come together to celebrate local business and strengthen professional connections at the .

“Small business is the backbone of a community,” said Nicole Bengtson, communications manager for the chamber.

The 23rd annual trade show will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday and will be held at the Mendakota Country Club. The event gives local business representatives an opportunity to network with one another and learn about each other’s endeavors.

A luncheon will follow, at which small business of the year Wakota Federal Credit Union will be honored.

Social media professional Karin Housley will deliver the keynote speech, which will address the importance of utilizing social media as a small business representative.

While education and recognition are important components of the event, the trade show and luncheon is also about strengthening ties within the River Heights business community.

Pam Schultz, an administrator with the , estimates that she has been attending the trade show for over a decade.

“The chamber has a lot of energetic professional people,” said Schultz.

The event is exclusive to chamber members, although members may bring guests. Approximately 120 local business representatives are expected to attend.

“It gets good people together in a good place,” said Bob Slessinger, a senior sales representative at Halo Branded Solutions, who has attended the event for years. “There’s not a lot of poppycock.”