Shenango Chambers Tout Quality of Life at Expo

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. – More than 800 people tasted the quality of life in the Shenango Valley Saturday — not just by sampling the sweet treats offered during dessert demonstrations on stage at the Park Inn by Radisson but by touring the displays of traditional businesses and recreational companies as well.

The occasion was the second annual Business & Recreation Expo sponsored by the Shenango Valley and Mercer Area chambers of commerce.

“We’re focusing on the bigger picture, the whole life of our business community in Mercer County,” said Sherris Moreira, executive director of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We’re trying to create more ways for our business community connect with each other and the public.”

As an example, Moreira cited Carried Away Outfitters with operations in Jamestown and Greenville, “a kayaking company that connected with an insurance agency.” Other nontraditional vendors were chiropractors, a golf course and animal shelter.

New this year were dessert demonstrations by Cravings Café, Lulu Beans Coffee House & Café, Horne’s Homstyle Catering and The Bake Shoppe & Café. Many vendors offered items for sale such as plants, sewing kits, handmade soap and candy. For job-seekers, PA Career Link and the West Central Job Partnership displayed their services, and Sharon Regional Medical Center accepted resumes at its booth.

Among the 53 vendors – nine more than last year’s inaugural expo — were businesses from Pittsburgh, Erie, Youngstown and Niles. “The Eastwood Complex was our premier sponsor,” Moreira said. “The Shenango Valley is a feeder market for the mall.”

By adding recreation to the mix of vendors, the expo succeeded in attracting more age groups, according to Moreira. “You always have the older crowd at events like these but by having different companies, we reached different demographics. We saw lots of young professionals and families with kids,” she said.

The event provided a venue to promote the upcoming Roundtable Con, a three-day convention — May 25-27 — during which participants compete in a variety of table and digital games. “It will be the first game-con in our region,” Moreira said.

In co-sponsoring the expo, the Mercer Area Chamber saw an opportunity to tout its members, said its executive director, Dotty Pintar. “Whether it’s networking with businesses or just checking out what’s new in town, from small to large businesses, this is a great way to see what’s going on with our business community,” she said.

Pictured above: Sherris Moreira and Dotty Pintar, executive directors of the Shenango Valley and Mercer Area chambers, John Ackley, organizer of Roundtable Con, and  Jen Krezeczowski owner of Lulu Beans Café and Coffee House.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.