Subscribe
Back to Search
Contact(s)
Imagine a bustling commercial event where you can explore more than 100 local enterprises and get a taste of the varied and vibrant businesses the Orillia area has to offer. As an added bonus, envision the opportunity to receive discounts and obtain exclusive deals while having the chance to speak with the entrepreneurs behind these community-minded businesses.
That’s exactly what the third annual Orillia and Lake Country Business Expo will offer Oct. 22 at Casino Rama, says Laura Thompson of the City of Orillia’s economic development office (EDO).
“This is a unique event that gives people a real feel for the types of businesses and services that Orillia and Lake Country has to offer,” said Thompson. “We have 104 registered vendors – which is the most the casino has ever had in all three Ballrooms combined.”
It’s also the most exhibitors the popular expo has attracted; it’s more than double the number from a year ago.
“The response has been overwhelming and that’s great for consumers,” Thompson said. “We have a whole range of businesses from home improvement to beauty supplies, financial services, health and wellness providers, recreational-oriented facilities … you will find everything you are looking for under one roof.”
And many of the 100-plus participants will offer a show-exclusive discount, sale or opportunity, Thompson noted. “It might be a percentage discount, it might be a gift certificate … I would encourage people to come and check out the unique incentives that you can only find at this expo,” she said.
The underlying theme of the event is the importance of shopping locally, Thompson said.
“It is absolutely vital to spend your money locally to have a healthy local economy, which is important to all of us,” Thompson said. “These businesses support our economy, they sponsor local sports teams, they contribute to local causes … they’re the ones you go to when you need something. They deserve our support.”
She said the idea behind the expo is also to develop awareness about the range and breadth of local businesses we have in our community.
“When you shop locally, you not only support the local economy and local jobs, you save travel time, you save gas money and you build a sense of community by getting to know your neighbours,” Thompson explained.
This year’s Orillia and Lake Country Business Expo is being held during Small Business Week and is being organized by the Orillia Business Association, the Orillia and Area Community Development Corporation, Orillia’s EDO, the Business Enterprise Resource Network and the chambers of commerce in Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Ramara Township.
The expo will run from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with hourly draws for $100 in Expo Dollars that can be spent at the event. In addition to various prizes and gift giveaways, visitors who participate in a survey that is being conducted on-site by students from Georgian College will receive $5 gift certificates to spend in downtown Orillia.
“Whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift or if you’re planning a future home-renovation project or need any type of personal service or want to enjoy our recreational amenities … there will be something for you at the expo,” Thompson said.
For more information, visit orilliabusinessexpo.ca.
