There was a steady stream of people in to visit vendors at the Wellington North Showcase at the community centre here on March 24 and 25.
Tuesday was the only day open to the public; Monday evening was set aside as a networking session to allow business people to converse and share ideas about how to improve opportunities in the township.
Some 80 businesses participated in the fifth annual showcase organized by the township’s economic development department.
“We are very pleased with the turnout for the showcase,” said the tourism, marketing and promotion manager April Marshall three hours before the show closed Tuesday evening.
“Attendance keeps growing as the day progresses … I have heard a lot of compliments as to the turn-out and networking opportunity – people learning what is available to them in their community, which in turn helps to boost our local economy.”
It was a sentiment shared by Dianne and Fred Hoehn of Mount Forest who were taking in the show for the first time. Fred wanted to see a number of “niche businesses” township residents might not see in Arthur or Mount Forest
“It’s just to keep up with what’s going on,” he said, adding he was surprised by the number of people at the show.
The show featured all types of vendors, including food, financial institutions, historical societies, co-ops, emergency services, purified water suppliers, employment services, municipal and county exhibits and retail outlets.
Local residents Rosemary and Les Dyce said the variety of vendors at the show made it appealing.
At the Spark 88.7 FM Radio booth Andrew McBride was promoting the community radio station to be established in Mount Forest this summer.
McBride is the manager and operator of the volunteer-run station, which has yet to rent a downtown location in the community. McBride said once the location is chosen and the station running, it will allow for walk-in traffic off the street.
Mayor Ray Tout said he was amazed by the turnout at the show.
“It turned out good today, there’s a lot of people,” Tout said. “You stand in the room and listen to the hum of people talking and it’s good.”
