Economic Growth Council expects at least 180 exhibitors
By Trevor Maxwell
Business Writer

LEWISTON – Companies still have time to reserve space at the eighth annual Androscoggin Business to Business trade show, set for Thursday.

About 180 exhibitors have signed up so far, and about 10 slots remain.

Organizers expect around 2,000 attendees at the show, presented by the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. The all-day event will again be held at the Gray Athletic Building on the Bates College campus.

The show is titled “Making Connections.”

“It’s an excellent opportunity for a company to promote their goods and services, as well as their mission,” said Paul Badeau, marketing director for the council.

“Some use it to see what their competitors are doing,” he said. “Obviously it’s a great chance to network.”

Badeau said the event has averaged about 2,000 attendees in recent years, and the number of exhibitors has gone up.

Matt McKnight, vice president and governor of the new Lewiston Maineiacs hockey team, will give the keynote address at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the trade show site, beginning at 7:30 a.m. McKnight is well known as a savvy marketing coordinator within the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Following the breakfast, business exhibits will be open throughout the day. Attendees are also invited to a series of three seminars.

Lewiston economic development director Greg Mitchell, Auburn assistant city manager Mark Adams and Chip Morrison, president of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, will discuss recent growth in the Twin Cities’ economy.

Martha Bradley, president of Project Solutions LLC, will join Jennifer DeChant, marketing coordinator for Coastal Enterprises Inc., and Susan MacPherson, principal of Great Gatherings, to talk about planning successful events.

Austin Conrad, owner of Austin’s Fine Wines & Foods, then will give a primer called Wine Tasting 101: The Basics from Aroma to Zinfandel.

“We try every year to have a new twist to the show,” Badeau said. “Wine is something a lot of people wish they knew more about.”

The Chamber’s Business After Hours gathering will also take place at the site. It will be catered by Margarita’s restaurant and will feature live jazz by Swingline.

Prizes will be awarded at the event, including VIP lounge tickets to the Maineiacs during their inaugural season. Other prizes include a hot-air balloon ride, accommodations at the new Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn, a show at the Public Theatre and dinner at TJ’s Restaurant.

For more information, contact the growth council at 784-0161.