A little bit of paradise will be visiting Gilroy courtesy of the
Gilroy Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 8 as part of their
14th annual South Silicon Valley Business Showcase and Mixer.
Gilroy – A little bit of paradise will be visiting Gilroy courtesy of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 8 as part of their 14th annual South Silicon Valley Business Showcase and Mixer.
The theme this year is “Business in Paradise – Sell the Sizzle,” and more than 50 businesses have already signed up to show off their products and services in the tropical setting.
Jeff Strametz, chairperson of the event, and Marsha Becht, director of membership and programs for the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce said the tropical theme should be a hit among exhibitors who compete against each other in a decorating contest and dress to the theme.
“It makes it more fun and its interesting to the eye when people come to visit it,” Becht said. “It’s exciting to see how people decided to dress up.”
Brigitte Nicholls, the vice president of client relationships for South Valley National Bank, said the bank has always participated in the trade show, but having a theme the last three years makes the day even better.
“You get to see how creative different vendors can be,” Nicholls said. “It helps with the marketing.”
South Valley National Bank, a local bank for the last 30 years, uses the trade show as an opportunity to network and explain new services to potential clients.
“Our goal is to speak to vendors to let them know what the bank is all about,” Nicholls said. “Especially in banking, it is ever changing and it’s a very competitive field.”
She added that it gives them a chance to learn about other businesses in town as well.
“You get to meet the vendors that are next to you,” she said. “Many times over we trade business cards and [information on] services.”
The trade show is open to the public from 12 to 7pm and interested visitors will have a chance to win door prizes, play games and learn about old and new businesses in town. During the mixer from 5 to 7pm, they can also sample food and wine from local restaurants and wineries. Last year, more than 1,000 people visited the showcase.
Most of the vendors are from the Gilroy and Morgan Hill area and they range from pizza joints to roofing companies to a delivery service.
Becht said the show is still accepting businesses and they are set up to hold more than 80 booths. Chamber members can rent a booth for $400 and non-Chamber members are welcome to participate for $525.
The trade show this year will be held at Bonfante Gardens, a venue that was chosen for its beautiful setting and an abundance of parking. Tickets for the public are available at the Chamber office, 7471 Monterey St., for free, and can be purchased at the door for $2.
For more information on participating as an exhibitor or visiting the trade show on Thursday, Sept. 8, visit www.gilroytradeshow.com or call 842-6437.
