Loretta Jennings talks to Sam Cunningham with Mississippi Phophates during the Jackson County Industrial Trade Show on Tuesday. Jennings, an agent with State Farm Bureau, made her first appearance as a vendor this year at the business display and marketing venture.
PASCAGOULA -- Loretta Jennings said her booth at the Jackson County Trade Show on Tuesday was her first foray into the business display and promotion sponsored by the county's Chamber of Commerce.
The show is a marketing and networking venture for large industries and businesses. Still, year after year, the show attracts numerous small businesses from national franchises to local start-up companies.
"I just wanted to do something different and creative this year," said Jenninngs, owner of a State Farm Insurance office in Moss Point. "I've got a new person who is creative."
Donna Joseph, new agent, said, "We knew this year would be a good opportunity to come out and network with some of the businesses."
Jennings and the other businesses provided their own door prizes, winners chosen from visitors who either left business cards or filled out information sheets for the drawings. S
he gave away a $50 gift certificate."In return we get names and numbers of people we can offer services to," she said.
Dennis Freeman with Mississippi Power took a spin at a prize wheel at one booth. He was taking a walk-through the site, showing someone around the industries at the B.E. "Mac" McCinty Civic Center and under the pavilion at the county's fairgrounds on Shortcut Road.
"I think it's good. It promotes our businesses and it shows what's available here, and it keeps money here (in the county). It let's folks put their eyes on what's here," said Freeman.
Robert Holder, business development, said this year's show as a first for Modern Tech of Foley, Ala. He said about 50 people had stopped by the booth about midday.
Holder, in business development, said that Modern Tech has hundreds of busines
s contacts in South Mississippi, but the trade show would increase the contacts. He plans to follow-up with all of the business professionals he talked to at the annual trade show.Linda Johnson with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce said that about 1,500 people may have come through the civic center doors Tuesday. Usually, about 1,800 visitors attend the trade show each year, she said.
The Jackson County Industrial Trade Show ended Tuesday with Business After Hours sponsored by the chamber. The show concludes today.
