HAMLET – Perennially popular and one of the Chamber’s most-attended events, the 2018 Business Expo & Connections After Five was held this past Thursday, April 19th at the Cole Auditorium on the RichmondCC campus.
Combining food, networking and representatives from various businesses in Richmond and surrounding counties, the event advertised “meet with key decision makers and make new connections.” The vendors assembled information and, in some cases, products, in their booth space for all attendees to easily see.
Pee Dee Electric was present with their totally electric Chevy Bolt car, affectionately known as EVIE. Todd Moore, Pee Dee’s Energy Use Advisor, stated the car is fun to drive and is a great visual reminder of Pee Dee’s presence in Richmond County. Rhonda Simmons, billing specialist and Teresa Watts of member services were also on hand to chat with the public as they went in to the Cole.
Keri Humann, with Classic Apparel said, “This is a wonderful event that we have participated in every year. Emily and Seth (Chamber officials) do a fantastic job of organizing the Expo which gets the local businesses face to face with a large group of potential customers in a short period of time. It is a chance for businesses and individuals to see our products first hand and many of them come back to our office at a later date to do business with us. Many of the other vendors here today use our products for their marketing and have them on their tables at this event.”
Amy Matlock, manager at One Stop Print Shop, handed out literature espousing the menu of printing options at this newly opened business. Printing is a subject she is very familiar with as she previously worked for another print store, Quick Copy, for 8 years. “If it’s printed, we can do it,” Amy promised.
One Stop Print Shop is owned by Renee Carter. She also owns the vape shop that has been in its current location for almost 5 years and shares space with the print shop.
Door prize winners were announced, creating an air of expectant excitement throughout the evening. That, along with free appetizers and beverages, make the event one that attendees look forward to each year.
