First Florence County Commerce Fair to be held May 9

     The first annual Florence County Commerce Fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. The event will be held at the Encore on Central Ballroom in downtown Florence. 

     The Florence County Commerce Fair is sponsored by the Florence County Chamber of Commerce, which has more than 70 member businesses countywide. Other sponsors include Florence Utilities in conjunction with WIPPI Energy and Florence County Economic Development, which want to promote a healthy business community in Florence County.

     The idea originated with chamber vice president Rachel Egelseer and chamber member Mark Kerzner, owner of Saloon No. 2. Both are members of the chamber promotions committee.

     “Where I came from, we always had a commerce fair,” Egelseer said. “So Mark and I planned this together as something good for our local businesses and for the residents to see what’s going on.”

     The idea is to “celebrate our businesses. We haven’t had that here,” she said.

Who will attend the Florence County Commerce Fair? Area residents who want to shop globally but buy locally will learn of many businesses in the area that can provide goods and services very close to home which helps keep the local economy robust. Area business owners will also attend to find out more about the newly organized Chamber of Commerce and its benefits. They can also network with other area business owners.

     Job seekers will want to attend the Florence County Commerce Fair because area businesses who are looking for employees full or part time and/or summer help will get to meet you face to face. Application forms can be picked up from a prospective employer while you get to know what the company is about.

     Other reasons to attend may be to see what new products are being produced in the area or see new menus being introduced by local eateries. You will be able to learn more about the websites offered locally for area events in the upcoming season.

     This is a chance for residents and visitors to learn more about the products and services our Florence County businesses have to offer. Admission to this event is free, so why not stop down and see all the great things our businesses can do for you.  Enjoy the booths and exhibits and help celebrate the local business community. Prizes and food will be found throughout the fair.

     Businesses who participate have a chance to expand their customer base.  Table rental is free for businesses that join the Florence County Chamber of Commerce ($50 yearly fee), or the table rental fee is $50 if you do not want to join the Chamber. 

     To sign up for your business space call (715) 528-3000. This event is sponsored by the Florence County Chamber of Commerce, Florence Utilities and Florence County Economic Development.