The Fuquay-Varina Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to share its 2012 “Core Connection” Business Expo with the public at the Fuquay-Varina Community Center on Thursday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 pm.

This year’s Expo has brought a broad cross-section of community businesses and organizations together under one roof that showcase a wealth of local business expertise and community resources. There will be a “health & wellness“ section dedicated to providing the general public with information and services. There will also be giveaways, door prizes, food samples, and a series of speakers who have stepped up to share their knowledge with the community. The Chamber has over 100 businesses participating in the EXPO, and anticipates up to 1,000 attendees at the event. Visitors will be pleased with variety and energy level of the businesses that are on site this year.

As always, the EXPO will feature several seminars throughout the day that are open to the general public. Kicking the EXPO off at 9 a.m. will be social media expert Martin Brossman, who will speak about how much social media is too much and how to determine the best software to use. Stephen Peacock of Peacock Creative Services will follow at 10:30 a.m. with “Blogging for Business.” Ken Stephenson and Valerie Springle of Complete Financial Solutions will present a seminar on “Medicare and Long-Term Care Options” at 1 p.m. and Robin WellingsLoftus of Edward Jones will host a Q&A session on Social Security at 2 p.m.

Fun features of this year’s Expo are the Shredding Event sponsored by the Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Commission (FVEDC) from 1-5 p.m., and the iPad giveaway, sponsored in part by Sam’s Club. The shredding is free, but residents will have to enter the EXPO and get a ticket from the FVEDC booth (#40). Attendees who wish to enter the iPad drawing will have to secure a ticket from one of the EXPO’s many vendors PRIOR to the EXPO, and drop the ticket off at the Sam’s Club booth (#23). A complete listing of all our participating vendors is posted on our website at www.fuquay-varina.com. The Town is also sponsoring a confidential “Medicine Drop” from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for all pharmaceuticals at their booth (#37) as well.

The EXPO is open to the general public, and is free ~ there is no admission charge! Residents are encouraged to bring family and friends and visit the Community Center near South Park during the day-long event. For more information about the EXPO, please contact the Chamber at 552-4947 or email to info@fuquay-varina.com.

The Fuquay-Varina Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, voluntary non-profit organization of businesses and professional people dedicated to improving the economic environment of our community and fostering the development of business growth and prosperity. Through regular networking events, access to business resources, cooperative advertising, and a variety of dynamic community partnerships, the Chamber serves a robust membership of more than 450 businesses. Fuquay-Varina encompasses two thriving historic downtown centers affording access to a wealth of product, services and amenities, For more information about the Chamber, its activities, or how to establish your own business or home in our community, contact the Chamber by calling 919-552-4947 or visiting us online at www.fuquay-varina.com.