Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce holds 3rd Showcase on Commerce Expo

Perrysburg resident Sharon Thomas, left, speaks with Let's Travel, Too, LLC travel consultant Nancy Jean Rust at the Commerce Expo 2013 at Levis Commons Hilton Garden Inn.

The Hilton Garden Inn Events Center held an array of businesses, organizations, campaigns, banks, newspapers, and even the Chick-fil-A cow this afternoon.

While the cow was walking around with its Eat Mor Chikin sign and taking photos with children, businesses, recruiters, and politicians and judges were trying to find votes and costumers.

It was the third year the Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce has held this Showcase on Commerce Expo. Chamber director Sandy Latchem said there were about 74 booths at the event.

PHOTO GALLERY: Commerce Expo 2013

Taylor Barney, a property manager at Briarwood Cove Luxury Apartments said it was a good opportunity for retired folks to go through putting their information in for winnings. His apartment company was giving away a Garmin navigational system.

"Retired people come in here with labels and just stick them on informational fliers to win stuff," Mr. Barney said. "Some of them even just walk around with stamps that have their information."

He said they had no interest in talking about things, but just wanted to enter raffles. Overall he said it was a good event.

"It has been steady," Mr. Barney said. "It seems to be a great opportunity for business people in Perrysburg to mingle and get together too."

The cost for chamber member booths with electricity was $240, and nonchamber members $300. 

Penta Career Center was there talking to some kids and parents about the school. Bill Tucholski, Penta career service coordinator, said it was cool to see Penta alumni too. 

"There are booths here with former Penta students," Mr. Tucholski said. "Those are students that will be up for our outstanding alumni."

While there were many free raffles, a hot commodity today was HS Health Source Chiropractic and Progressive Wellness's free five-minute massages. 

Both the city of Perrysburg, and Perrysburg Township also had booths as well. 

"This was one of our better attended events," Perrysburg Mayor Nelson Evans said. "It lets people get to know the businesses in the area, people are stopping at businesses and signing for things there is a lot of interest."

Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com or 419-356-8786 or on Twitter at @mthompson25.