LEWISTON – Businesspeople from across Maine are expected to crowd Bates College on Thursday for the ninth annual Business to Business Trade Show.

Organizers predict upward of 2,000 participants in the state’s largest business trade show, which would be the largest turnout yet.

The event gives attendees a glimpse of the spectrum of companies that call Lewiston-Auburn home.

“It gives a great snapshot of the business community,” said Paul Badeau, director of marketing for the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council.

The show offers businesspeople the chance to make connections with clients and vendors, as well as check out competitors, gather leads and get advice.

The trade show kicks off with a breakfast keynote address by John Quirk, president of VIP. He is expected to discuss why he decided to keep the corporate headquarters of the 49-store auto parts chain in Lewiston. VIP recently completed and opened its flagship store on Lisbon Street as part of the city’s Southern Gateway project.

Quirk purchased VIP in September 2001 and merged it with Quirk Tire, making VIP one of New England’s largest privately held automotive parts and accessories store. Two to four more stores per year are expected to be added to the chain in the next five years, according to Quirk.

An outdoor exhibit showcasing some of L-A’s most prominent manufacturers and craftsmen is a new addition to the trade show. The L-A Pavilion will be set up outside the Gray Athletic Building, providing “an opportunity to promote the diversity of things that are made here in the Twin Cities,” said Badeau.

Among the exhibitors will be White Rock Distilleries, Bradco furniture makers, Bourgeois guitars, Katahdin studios, Geiger and Maine Heritage Weavers.

“We have so many companies tucked away in industrial parks or corners of the cities, away from the downtown centers,” said Badeau. “Not only are people from away unaware of them, but residents as well.”

Also new is a prize promo-

tion that requires participants to receive a numbered card upon admission, then visit certain exhibitors to inquire whether they hold a winning number. Badeau said the format will encourage interaction among exhibitors and participants.

Nearly 200 exhibitors are expected at the trade show, a far cry from the 30 or so who comprised the first trade show nine years ago at the Bates Mill. A business card is required for admission for all attendees; there is no admission fee. The show runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participants will also be encouraged to attend business seminars at Chase Hall. The first is on building relationships with legislators, which will be presented by former House Speaker Mike Saxl, state Sen. Peggy Rotundo and Dana Connors, director of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. The seminar is set for 10 to 11 a.m.

The second seminar will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the topic of cell phone technology, its available options and functions. Amy Jacob and David Bruce of U.S. Cellular will be the presenters.

The last seminar is about the importance of branding for small businesses as a way to attract and maintain clients. This seminar will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., presented by Adrian Fox, managing director of BFT International.

For more information contact Badeau at 784-0161.

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