Almost 100 exhibitors filled the Castine Center Wednesday at the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce’s 17th annual EXPO. The exhibitions opened at 11 a.m. and stayed open until 7 p.m. At the end of the day, after hours networking was available for visitors, Chamber members and exhibitors.

Although many exhibitors reprised their roles from previous years, Chamber CEO Lacey Toledano said there were also many new faces. The EXPO had about 950 visitors throughout the day.

Many of the exhibitors said they are optimistic about the future, and although business was slow in January and February, business started increasing in March.

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Profit on Hold, a company that can put a message on your phone for callers on hold to hear while they are waiting is experiencing unprecedented growth. Diane and Otto Mehrgut, owners, are moving their company from Metairie to Mandeville. They are a nationwide company and provide this service for such national firms as e-Bay, Federal Express and PepsiCo.

Other established businesses on the Northshore experiencing change and growth include the recently renovated Holiday Inn.

Vitality Juice was also on hand giving samples of its sweetener Swerve. It is all-natural, has zero calories and is safe for diabetics.

Another business experiencing growth and success includes A-1 Window Washers, the largest window cleaning service in the parish. Charlie Laurie, the business’ owner, said they are picking up new customers and are very busy.

The medical industry was showcased with Fairway Medical Center, Lakeview Regional Medical Center and Regency Hospital.

St. Tammany Parish Hospital was also on hand with its DaVinci surgical robotics machine, available for a demonstration. Millard Callicott of DaVinci said the hospital is the exclusive provider of the surgical procedure on the Northshore, which shortens hospitalization stays and recovery time for patients.

Ochsner Northshore was also on hand, providing free health screenings for cholesterol and blood pressure.

Many booths held drawings for free products or services as well as providing everything from water to wine and popcorn to quesadillas. Other marketing tools, such as koozies and magnets, were distributed along with business cards to booth visitors.