Businesses across Union County came together Thursday for one of the most important networking events of the year.

The 2019 Union County Business Expo, hosted by the Union County Chamber of Commerce, brought out a jovial and excited crowd of business owners and representatives that put their best foot forward through intricate and interesting show-booths, informative and entertaining product demonstrations and fantastic displays of culinary genius that put smiles on the faces of all who took part.

Nearly every sector of the Union County business community was represented in some way at the expo.  From local radio stations and health institutions to realty firms and education foundations, there was surely something to learn and someone new to meet around every corner.

According to Union County Chamber President Pat Kahle, participation in this year’s expo reached the highest level that they’ve had in the four years since the Chamber of Commerce started this event.

Kahle said that part of the success of this year’s expo was due to a focus on social media participation by the Chamber and a social media ramp-up by the businesses in attendance in the weeks leading up to the event that allowed for more efficient dissemination of information and awareness about the expo.

A layout change, she said, played a major role in increasing interactivity between businesses and allowed for each participant to have maximum visibility for the booths that they worked so hard on.

Attendees of the of the event have touted the Union County Business Expo as one of the most important networking events available to Union County businesses.

Ken Adelglass, founder of Waxhaw Kid Coders, whose student built robots and gadgets made for one of the most entertaining booths at the expo, said that the exposure that the expo brings puts eyeballs on his program that would never have the opportunity to see what he has to offer without that exposure.  Exposure to education regarding a skill as relevant as coding provides a path to financial security for future generations that most industries will fall short of in an evolving digital landscape.

The Smoke Pit Restaurant and the Mario’s Italian Restaurant show-booths were responsible for most of the lovely smells that filled the air of the expo. With heavenly barbecue and rich, delicious pasta, these two restaurants were responsible, also, for many of the smiles that stretched across the faces of attendees as they proudly carried their plates with them from booth to booth.

Justin Robertson of The Smoke Pit Restaurant said that the opportunity to meet new customers and to network with other business leaders at the Union County Business Expo was a great opportunity that he was glad to have.

The Novant Health booth, one of the most eye-catching, brought with it an important message. Encouraging and providing access to mammograms was their goal and awareness was surely raised as passersby posed to have their picture taken in the Novant Health picture frame and stopped to sign up for their future Novant visits. Novant Health was able to officially sign up 10 people for mammograms during the expo, with many more verbal commitments.

Gene Robbins of Robbins and Associates Insurance Agency, inc. was the presenting sponsor of the event, but his role did not end there. After Robbin’s presentation, he worked to spread joy and bring his passion for community to every single attendee.

Robbins personally introduced himself to the teams at each booth, joking and laughing all the way. Robbins’ excitement and personality truly set the tone for a wonderful evening of new connections and new friends that will undoubtedly lead to a closer and more prosperous Union County.