April Business Expo Will Connect Businesses, Public

The city’s first business expo is planned for mid-April and there’s still time to get a booth.

Sponsored by the The City of Avon Lake's Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), the business expo will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hinkley Lighting (33000 Pin Oak Parkway).  Admission is free to the public.

To expand the city’s economic development efforts, Avon Lake’s first business expo will be April 18 at Hinkley Lighting. Between 60-65 businesses are expected.

Eilleen Donahue, the chairwoman of the mayor’s Economic Development Advisory Board, said the idea has been in the works for a few years

“For a couple of years we have been tossing around the idea of a business expo in Avon Lake,” Donahue said. “We thought this idea would help the local businesses present their products to the public.”

Donahue said the expo, which is expected to pull in from towns around the Avon Lake area, not just the city, is for both the businesses and the public. Businesses from Avon, Westlake, Sheffield Lake and Village are expected to participate.

Proceeds from the expo will fund the Community Investment Corporation (CIC).

The city recently passed legislation to form the CIC which will offer small businesses low-interest, short-term loans.

Sponsorship opportunities are available including Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500), and Bronze ($250). 

At a recent council meeting Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka said the expo gives a chance for the general public to learn more about local businesses. Attendees can expect giveaways, he said. The expo will also give business owners another chance to network.

Hinkley Lighting on Pin Oak Parkway is allowing the city to use a 4,500-sq.ft. area for free.

Booths range from $75 to $100.  Interested businesses can click here for the registration form.