Sponsored by the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, the event drew an estimated 1,900 visitors. Over 100 exhibitors were featured, more than twice the number that participated in last year’s event held in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.
“It was an unbelievable turnout, and the time just flew by,” said East St. Tammany Chamber CEO Dawn Sharpe. “The response from the vendors has been very positive, and a lot of them have said they’re already looking forward to next year.”
  
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Sharpe credits the unique activities offered by several vendors as key to the event’s success. Whitney Bank set up a putting green at its booth, while adults and children alike enjoyed trying out the Wii system at the Best Buy Business Services booth.
Food and drinks were a big draw, as a number of restaurants were on hand with samples of their culinary offerings. In addition, many vendors provided treats like chicken wings, red beans and rice, or cookies and candy at their booths. Outside the Harbor Center were antique cars, the LSU Mobile Classroom and two bloodmobiles as well as a couple of inflatables to keep the youngsters entertained.
The highlight for many attendees and participants was the chance to meet U.S. Chamber of Commerce representative Jeni Hatfield, who was signing people up for the Friends of the U.S. Chamber program.
“When there is upcoming legislation in Washington that will affect your zip code, the U.S. Chamber will notify you so that you may contact your legislators if you are for or against it,” said Sharpe. “It’s an important new program, and the U.S. Chamber has only been to about 10 local chambers around the country to promote it.”
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