A full day of fun, info, and connection to the faces behind the businesses

There’s so much happening at next Friday’s small business showcase, it’s hard to know where to start. Over two dozen volunteers have been working for five months to pull together a full day event that’s geared to Barrie area businesses and residents.

Called “Doing Business With Your Neighbours” the trade show times were set to accommodate commuters arriving home later in the day. From 11 am to 9 pm you can meet 100 business owners, so you know the faces behind the businesses. Knowing who you’re dealing with makes a big difference in comfort level.

For instance, you’ll meet flight instructor Jack Gallacher and aircraft detailer Bill Pidlysny and together they’ve donated a door prize that will send you soaring.

You’ll meet people who take care of pets; people who ensure your wedding will be as fabulous as you are. You’ll meet cake decorators, event planners and a manufacturer of industrial and residential doors. You’ll meet a locksmith, an automation expert, and a guy who ‘really knows paint.’ Web designers, computer software trainers, graphic artists and interior designers are all part of this neighbourhood show.

And for three different workshops–which are free–you can learn about websites, money and the power of placement. Three experts offer a 12 noon workshop called Websites… The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. At 2 pm, you can find out what kind of government funding is out there for your business endeavours. And at 6 pm you’ll find out all about Feng Shui and how it can affect you in your home or your workplace.

A day chock full of free activities, this trade show promises to ante up great food, too, as people in the food business share their wares with all who attend the show.

Terrific door prizes round out your experience, and every half hour, the master of ceremonies will be calling out a lucky winner. The door prizes run the full gamut of activity… stability ball classes (complete with the ball!), caricatures, services and product such as computer equipment, an ethernet device, silk floral arrangements, a business portrait, a table games building in a bag. There are even free services for seniors from a company. There are fabulous door prizes, as well as great activities.

At 4 pm the show will be officially sanctioned with a ceremony involving The Honourable Paul Devillers, Secretary of State for Amateur Sport and Aileen Carroll, Member of Parliament for Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. As well Mayor Jim Perri, and Barrie Chamber’s Donna Mizen will bring greetings to all the small businesses involved in the “Neighbours” Show.

A ‘Doing Business With Your Neighbours’ insert will be in the Advance this Wednesday, October 16.

It’s all happening when the doors burst open at 11 am this Friday, October 18. Location? Army Navy Air Force Hall at 7 George St, 1 block south of Anne & Dunlop streets. Admission is free. But the experience will be priceless.

See you there!