News Summary

More than 60 businesses exhibited at what Chamber of Commerce officials are hailing "the most successful business expo yet."

Held for the first year at the Miami University Middletown campus, many business officials came from across the area to network with exhibitors, said Bill Triick, president of the chamber.

The event also hosted the first-ever A Taste of Middletown, Trenton and Monroe, with free samples from area restaurants.

"They loved it. It was also good exposure for our restaurants and caterers," Triick said.

Business cards and inquiries were traded in mass as well, said Theresa Couch, a representative of Community National Bank.

"There were a lot of people who stopped by asking for rates. This is great for networking. This is my first year here and I can see why it's popular," she said.

Lori Carr from Butler County Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities said she was glad to see residents enjoying the expo as well.

"We want exposure in the community. It's important that people are aware of who we are and what we can do for them," Carr said.

There was a lot of positive feedback from participants for holding the expo again at MUM, Triick said.

It will definitely be tops on their list for a location for the expo next year, he added.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jlander@coxohio.com.