ROAR Business Expo this weekend at community center

Free gathering to feature local business showcase, Republic aquatic center fun
 

The Republic Area Chamber of Commerce will host its ROAR (Republic Open and Ready) Expo from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Republic Community Center. Admission to the expo is free, and the event is open to the public.
The production will showcase about 70 Republic businesses. There will also be several family-friendly attractions, including raffles, live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone and a petting zoo. For those who have children who are preparing to return to school, there will also be free backpacks and school supplies.
Macy Mitchell, the chamber’s executive director, said that they actually sold out of booth openings at the expo about six weeks earlier than expected, and the chamber had to turn away about 30 businesses which had hoped to take part in the festivities, adding that the chamber would expand the event next year so that more businesses would be able to participate.
“We already have ideas on how to enlarge (the event) so we don't have to ever turn any business away that wants a place at the expo,” he said. “Yes, it's a good problem to have, but as a business owner myself, I would be frustrated with not being able to showcase at the annual expo. This shows our growth in Republic and requires us at the chamber to be proactive and innovative on how we can best showcase our area businesses.”

Free aquatic center access
There is an additional incentive for members of the public to attend the expo; those who come out will also get free admission to the Republic Aquatic Center.
“We wanted to attract even more of the community, so we decided to rent out the aquatic center,” Mitchell said. “It has been rented and sponsored by All-American Home Rental & Sales. White wristbands will be handed out at the All-American booth at the exit of the community center, therefore incentivizing the community to see all the business booths inside before heading outside for a night at the pool.”
The goal of the expo, Mitchell added, is to demonstrate how local businesses and the members of the community are bound together.
“Our community and our businesses should not ever feel separate,” he said. “We need each other, (and) a destination event like this brings both community and businesses together, as the business community wants to show their desire to serve and give back while being able to showcase products and services to not just young and old, but families everywhere. We want to display how we are one big family, striving to take care of each other and be there for one another. We aren't just boring business, but want to celebrate and showcase our fun and servanthood side by giving away free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food, having live music, a Kids Zone, a free aquatic center, and so much more! This event does just that."

More info
For more information about the ROAR Expo, call 417-732-5200, go online to the chamber’s website at www.republicchamber.com, or visit their Facebook page.