The Fuquay-Varina Area Chamber of Commerce is excited about the upcoming 2012 “Core Connection” Business Expo at the Fuquay-Varina Community Center on Thursday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Booths are still available, although they are going fast and only the least expensive interior booths are left.

This Expo brings a wealth of business expertise under one roof that can benefit businesses of all sizes and the general public. There will be giveaways, door prize drawings, food samples, and a “health & wellness“ section dedicated to serving the general public with information and services. Currently the Chamber has over 70 businesses participating in the EXPO, and expects to sell out by the event date. The participating vendors represent a well-rounded slice of the community and attendees will be pleased with variety and energy level of the businesses that are on site.

In addition to the vendors and the health and wellness section, the EXPO will feature several seminars throughout the day that will be open to the general public. Kicking the EXPO off at 9:00 am will be Social Media Marketing expert Martin Grossman, who will speak about how much social media companies should use and how to determine which vehicles are the best bet. Stephen Peacock of Peacock Creative Services will follow at 10:30 am 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 1:00 pm and Robin WellingsLoftus of Edward Jones will host a question and answer session on “Social Security” at 2 p.m.

The Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Commission is sponsoring a Pro-Shred event from 1-5 pm. Those needing shredding will have to enter the EXPO and get a ticket from the Town of Fuquay-Varina booth, but the shredding is compliments of the town and the Chamber and available to all local residents. The Town’s EXPO booth (#37) will also offer a confidential “Medicine Drop” from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for all pharmaceuticals. This type of activity prevents foreign substances from getting into our water supply by disposing of them properly.

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. All of our vendors are giving away tickets for a free iPad giveaway. Attendees must have a ticket from a participating business and bring the ticket to the EXPO to be eligible for the drawing. A complete listing of all our participating vendors is posted on our website at www.fuquay-varina.com.

For more information about the EXPO, please contact the Chamber at 552-4947 or 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.