Business Expo provides exposure

The Glenn County Fairgrounds was bustling with activity on Saturday.

The annual Business Expo was the Orland Chamber of Commerce's seventh trade show and networking event designed to give the local business community greater exposure.

The fun and dynamic springtime event allowed businesses, non-profit organizations and crafters from Willows, Orland and Corning to make new or renew existing business contacts, organizers said.

"The Expo has really evolved over the past few years," said Chairman Kevin Schindler, of Farmer's Insurance.

"The event allows mostly westside business, although we have businesses from as far away as Oroville, an opportunity to introduce themselves to Orland and showcase what they have to offer."

Founded in 2005, the Business Expo has exposed dozens of small businesses and organizations to hundreds of attendees.

"This is the second year we've included crafters," Schindler said. "Many crafters don't have a storefront but work from their homes, but they are businesses in their own right, so the Expo is great exposure for them."

For companies who rely almost entirely on the Internet and word of mouth for customers, the Expo provided even greater exposure.

Saturday's event was a first for Yellow Ribbon Boutique, which specializes in one-of-a-kind clothing and costumes.

"We do a little bit of everything, so it's great to be able to talk to people and get some feedback," said Patsy Pfifer of Willows, whose daughter Tammy Pfifer founded the business.

Lora Haller, visitor services specialist at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, said the complex has participated in the Expo since it began.

"It's an opportunity to bring more awareness to the complex and inspire others to have an appreciation for the wildlife around them," Haller said.

Other longtime participants included Orland Ace Hardware, Farmer's Insurance, Glenn Medical Foundation, Garnet Hill Florists, Orland Volunteers in Police Service and the California Highway Patrol.

The Willows, Corning and Orland Chambers of Commerce had representatives at the event to highlight members and events not at the event.

Some nonprofit groups used the Expo as an opportunity to raise money, such as Orland High School's Safe and Sober Graduation Committee, which sold tacos.

The Expo also included a mini car show, primarily to promote the Chambers' big event in September, and dog obedience demonstrations throughout the day, hosted by Dragon Crest of Orland.

Local bluegrass band "Music Express" performed on the outdoor stage.

"We couldn't have asked for better weather," said band member Vee Weathers. "Especially after the week we had."

Organizers said several hundred people attended the event throughout the day.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 934-6800 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.