We held our 19th Annual Business Expo on October 8, 2024 at Purdue Northwest during Fall Break. With more the 20 vendors we offered networking and connectivity to our community. WJOB interviewed our small businesses and agencies that were there as vendors to share their message on air.

This was the first year, we offered break-out sessions prior to the Expo, allowing community members to learn.

Raghu Sundara (AlwaysBeConnecting.net) “How to Build Strong Relationships and Have Powerful Conversations at Networking Events and Beyond” to help with techniques. Mike Opyd (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelopyd/) “How to Manipulate Time to get Ahead in Business and Life” addressed the use of time to achieve their vision and goals.

Lorri Feldt, ISBDC presented “Securing Funding and Financial Management for Small Businesses, always a resource for our business community. Cynthia Prieto (thebrandingroomfloor.com) crafted lessons on “Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses” to give AI and social media tools for our members to drive awareness.

With our theme, Live, Work and Play in the 219 – we highlighted the growth and strengths of our community.

We had a phenomenal panel lunch with Pete Novak, NIRA; Shaun Sahlhoff, CWI; Kellie Woods & Cristin Olszewksi, Franciscan; Spencer Summers, NWI Forum; Dr. Rachel Clapp-Smith, PNW and Phil Taillon, SS CVA moderated.

Look for our event in 2025!