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Business fair ready to roll in Coeur d’Alene Feb. 19-Annual chamber event attracts 106 participants

The After Hours Business Fair, hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce, gives area businesses an opportunity to showcase their trades.

DAVID BUFORD/Coeur d’Alene Press

COEUR d’ALENE — The tables are sold out and business leaders are fired up for the 14th annual After Hours Business Fair on Feb. 19 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Toni Sayer, programs manager for the chamber, said the fair is turning into a popular public event.

"It has been climbing every year," she said. "That has been great for the businesses that are in it because it gives them great exposure."

The business fair, modeled after the monthly Business After Hours networking sessions, is the only fair the chamber puts on annually. It gives smaller businesses that otherwise may not have the meeting space or finances an opportunity to put a face forward to the public, she said.

Sayler said many area residents aren’t aware of the services and products that the area provides. Last year, the event brought more than 100 businesses face to face with about 1,200 visitors.

This year, 106 area businesses filled 110 booths at $150 each. The event has filled Bays 1 through 6 of The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s convention center for the past 10 years.

"We fill the place," said Sayler. "The businesses love it because even if they don’t have a table they can still network and do business with others."

Judy Kirking, branch manager at Washington Trust Bank, said the fair helps with name recognition. The company has been involved in the fair for four years.

"It’s just a great turnout," she said. "It’s well attended, you get name recognition and it’s an opportunity for great exposure both to other businesses as well as the private sector."

Habitat for Humanity is a new member of the chamber and will have a booth in the fair.
Mariann Bethke, a board member and volunteer in Habitat for Humanity, said the nonprofit agency has a working relationship with Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, Home Depot and Coeur d’Alene Building Supply, but always needs contributions.

"It’s a nice way of making good connections," said Bethke. "It’s important for us, because the only way we get things done is by community involvement and donations."

Habitat joined the chamber in January and will raffle off an all-terrain vehicle at the event.

The fair runs from 5-8 p.m. and includes free admission, parking, appetizers and door prizes.

Information: 664-3914

http://www.cdapress.com/index.asp?Sec=Business&str=9759

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