Regional Expo to Showcase Wealth of Products and Services in Central Pa.

An Amish cheese maker, a candy company and Penn State basketball are just three of the organizations looking to connect with consumers at The 2010 Central Pa. Regional Business & Industry Expo.

The second annual Regional Expo, presented by 611 MRI/CT,  will kick off Thursday afternoon at the Bryce Jordan Center. Registration is not required, but attendance to the nine free workshops will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Last year, the Regional Expo drew 1,700 attendees, including business owners, entrepreneurs and consumers.

Managed by the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County and produced in cooperation with 15 chambers of commerce from across central Pennsylvania, the expo provides members of each chamber the opportunity to promote their products and services to businesses and consumers from throughout the region.

The involvement of chambers of commerce from across central Pennsylvania speaks to the quality of this event, said Jean Gerber, vice president for chamber operations at the CBICC.

“I think it’s unusual to pull something of this magnitude together and to bring so many people into the process,” Gerber said.

The range of participating organizations showcases the wealth of consumer resources available to residents of central Pennsylvania. In addition to the aforementioned cheese maker, candy company and Penn State basketball, attendees will also find an area dentist, a local hotel, several car dealerships, and many other consumer-focused businesses.

Most of the 171 businesses and organizations exhibiting at the event will offer door prizes, and some are running contests.  For example, the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State is offering expo attendees a chance to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming show.

 “This is an opportunity to not only learn about the wide array of products and services in central Pennsylvania, but to meet local business people,” Gerber said.

It’s also a chance to learn how local organizations are giving back. The nonprofit Global Capacity will be exhibiting, educating attendees about its work helping children in Rwanda.

In addition to 185 booths, the expo features nine free workshops that will give attendees information that’s useful to their personal and professional lives. StateCollege.com business columnists Dan Nestlerode and Judy Loy will address investment strategies, while a local plastic and reconstructive surgeon will offer anti-aging techniques.

Meanwhile, business owners will learn how to bounce back from disaster and get free publicity techniques for their companies. And entrepreneurs will find out how to dress for success and use Microsoft Office 2010 to their advantage.

The 2010 Central Pa. Regional Business & Industry Expo is free (including parking), and will run from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Use Gate B  at the Bryce Jordan Center to enter.

You can find a list of exhibitors and a helpful floor plan here. And be sure to stop by StateCollege.com at booth D-09.