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Chamber to sponsor Oct. 16 northshore business expo

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 9:53 GMT by NOLA.com
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Northshore Chamber to Host Oct. 16 Business Expo – A Free, All‑Inclusive Showcase of Local Enterprise

Metairie, LA – The Northshore Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to an open‑air, no‑cost business expo on Saturday, October 16, 2024, at the Northshore Convention Center. The event promises to bring together more than 70 local exhibitors, community leaders, and visitors for a day of networking, learning, and celebration of the Northshore’s thriving business ecosystem.

What the Expo Offers

At its core, the Northshore Business Expo is a trade‑show‑style gathering that blends product displays, informational sessions, and social interaction. According to the Chamber’s own event page (linked in the original article), the expo will open at 9 a.m. with a free breakfast and coffee for all attendees. From 10 a.m. onward, exhibitors will showcase their products and services across a wide range of categories – from tech startups and creative agencies to food‑service vendors, health‑and‑wellness providers, and financial consultants.

The Chamber’s website highlights that exhibitors are not just limited to the Northshore region; the expo draws in businesses from across the Baton Rouge metropolitan area, bringing a broader perspective to local commerce. Registration for exhibitors is available through the Chamber’s online portal, with a $150 booth fee that includes a 6‑foot by 6‑foot display space, a table, and access to a Wi‑Fi network.

Keynote and Panels

Beyond the trade show, the Chamber has curated a schedule of informational sessions designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge for running and expanding a business. The main stage will host a keynote by Dr. Marisol Hernandez, Regional Director of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. In her remarks, Dr. Hernandez will outline current economic trends affecting the Northshore, including post‑COVID‑recovery strategies, incentives for small businesses, and the impact of state‑wide infrastructure projects.

Panel discussions will focus on topics such as “Navigating the Digital Marketplace,” “Sustainable Growth in the Northshore,” and “Financing Opportunities for Emerging Entrepreneurs.” These sessions are free to attend and open to the public, offering a mix of industry experts and local business owners.

Sponsorship and Partnerships

The Chamber’s “Sponsors Page” lists key supporters of the event, most notably Baton Rouge Bank and Sierra Telecom. Baton Rouge Bank’s partnership will include a $5,000 sponsorship that covers marketing collateral and a booth in the financial services section of the expo. The bank will also host a mini‑seminar on “Smart Financing for Small Businesses” during lunch hours. Sierra Telecom will provide on‑site Wi‑Fi and a booth showcasing their latest broadband solutions for local businesses.

Other partners include the Northshore Chamber’s Small Business Development Center and Metairie Chamber of Commerce, which co‑organize a “Start‑Up Corner” where new entrepreneurs can receive one‑on‑one consulting.

Why the Expo Matters

The Northshore Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1986, has long served as a catalyst for economic growth in the Northshore region. According to a press release on the Chamber’s site, the organization now supports over 1,200 member businesses ranging from micro‑enterprises to mid‑size corporations. Its annual Expo is one of the flagship events that underscores its commitment to “connecting businesses, fostering community, and driving regional prosperity.”

In a statement on the Chamber’s blog, President Michael O’Leary said, “The Oct. 16 Business Expo is a celebration of the resilience and innovation that defines the Northshore. It’s a chance for local companies to showcase their products, for entrepreneurs to find mentors, and for the community to see the breadth of talent that exists right here on our doorstep.”

The Chamber’s website also details the “Business Expo Legacy” program, which records exhibitor feedback and impact metrics to refine future events. In 2023, the Expo attracted more than 1,200 visitors and helped generate an estimated $4 million in local revenue—a figure that will be re‑calculated after the 2024 event.

How to Attend

The event is open to the public and free of charge. Visitors can register online via the Chamber’s “Event Registration” page to receive an email confirmation and a map of the expo floor. Parking is available in the convention center’s underground lot at a discounted rate for early arrivals. Food and beverage vendors will be on site, offering a range of culinary options that reflect the region’s cultural diversity.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Chamber’s “Virtual Expo” feature (linked on the Chamber’s site) will livestream keynote sessions and panel discussions, ensuring that remote participants can still benefit from the event’s content.

A Snapshot of the Northshore’s Commercial Pulse

The Northshore Business Expo on October 16 is more than a trade show; it’s a microcosm of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. By blending product showcases, educational seminars, and sponsorship partnerships, the Chamber creates a holistic environment that encourages business growth, cross‑industry collaboration, and community engagement.

In an era where many small and medium‑sized enterprises are navigating supply‑chain disruptions, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory landscapes, events like the Northshore Expo serve as essential platforms for knowledge exchange and networking. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, a budding startup founder, or simply a curious community member, the expo offers a window into the dynamic forces shaping the Northshore’s economy.

Mark your calendars: Saturday, October 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Northshore Convention Center, Metairie, LA. The Northshore Chamber of Commerce welcomes all to join the celebration of local commerce and the future of the Northshore’s business community.