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2009 Made in Montana Marketplace Nearly SOLD OUT

Space still available – interested exhibitors encouraged to act fast!

Exhibitor space for the 2009 Made in Montana Marketplace and trade show is nearly sold out – even with expanded booth availability.

“The level of interest surrounding the 2009 Made in Montana Marketplace is outstanding,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “Historically this show has been popular with both exhibitors and wholesale buyers, but this record interest demonstrates what a valuable marketing tool it really is. We know buyers are hungry for unique, locally made products, brimming with authentic Montana flavor and Montana entrepreneurs are ready to serve.”

The 2009 Made in Montana Marketplace, presented by the City of Great Falls, will be at the Mansfield Convention Center in Great Falls, March 27 and 28. This annual two-day trade show connects wholesale buyers looking for Montana products, with the people who produce them. The Marketplace is strategically timed to connect exhibitors with wholesale buyers looking to purchase for the spring and summer season.

This year’s Marketplace will feature the largest exhibitor space ever – with 127 booths and more than 130 different exhibitors and artisans from across the state showcasing dozens of creations, from hand crafted furniture to gourmet snacks. Space has been expanded to accommodate a newly added Artisans’ Section in the second floor Missouri Room. The Artisans’ Section will feature Montana artisans, wineries and microbrewers.

“During these tough economic times Americans are watching every dollar and consumers want to see that a product is made in the USA, or better yet – Made in Montana,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Promoting and purchasing Montana-made products supports our local economies and local businesses. It’s supporting your community, your neighbor, your friend.”

Wholesale buyers and members of the public are strongly encouraged to experience the expanded showcase. Wholesale buyers from department stores, grocery stores, gift shops and National Park stores are expected to attend. Friday, March 27 is Wholesale Buyer’s Day, and is only open to qualified buyers and the media. Saturday, March 28 is Retail Sales Day, and is open to the public.

“Wholesale buyers attending this event are looking for something really special, something different, and this show is an excellent opportunity for them to connect with Montanans who create truly unique products,” said Paul Lloyd-Davies, Marketplace Coordinator. “Buyers can be confident they’ll walk out of this show having found new and exciting, quality, value-added products.”

The Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Department of Agriculture started the original Made in Montana Food & Gift Show in 1998, however funding for the show was cut in 2004. The Schweitzer Administration restored funding to help sponsor the rebirth of the show in 2005. In 2006, the City of Great Falls assumed production of the show and renamed it the Made in Montana Marketplace. The Department of Commerce remains a primary partner and sponsor of the Marketplace today. The Department of Agriculture and Montana Arts Council are also contributing partners. Private business sponsors are All American Pharmaceutical, the Great Falls Tribune, ColorWorld Printers, Big Sky Commerce, Creative Wave Design, LaQuinta Inn and Suites and the Quality Inn.

For more information on exhibitor and wholesale buyer registration visit http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana

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