The fifth installment of the annual Wellington North Showcase proved successful, tourism, marketing and promotion manager April Marshall told members of the township’s economic development committee.
Marshall said feedback from vendors was strong and will be reviewed in advance of next year’s showcase event.
The township hosted the event at the Arthur community centre, attracting some 80 vendors and large crowds over March 24 and 25.
“It was consistent each day,” Marshall told committee members at their April 16 meeting.
“I though it was well put together and people I talked to were pleased with what was going on,” committee chairman and councillor Dan Yake said. “It keeps getting better and better.”
Committee member Mayor Ray Tout agreed.
“Kudos to the work you guys did on the showcase,” Tout said of township staff. “I really felt there was more people there than in previous years.”
The event did lose money. With a $2,000 grant from the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and $1,500 in vendor fees, the event was over budget by $3,462 with overall costs coming in at $6,962.
Of the responses received, the showcase was rated good by 56 per cent, excellent by 33% and fair by 10%.
Trade show information and networking with other vendors was rated at 70% and networking with the public was rated at 54%.
Fifty-five per cent of respondents indicated they would like to see an education section with a guest speaker on business topics, while 44% indicated it was not needed.
“All the responses were very positive in support of the event and feedback of results for participation,” Marshall said.
