Large Butler County gathering changing locations, revamping event

One of the region’s largest annual events that connects businesses with potential clients will be leaving its longtime home as part of a revamping of its look and offerings.

Instead of taking place in May at Skatetown USA, the West Chester-Liberty Chamber Alliance’s Regional Business Expo is set for 1 to 5 p.m. on July 30 at Lakota West High School, 8940 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester Twp.

The event, which is for members and nonmembers, will see the chamber “revamping everything” right down to its logo, according to Jen Best, director of marketing and public relations for the chamber.

The chamber is still securing Taste of West Chester-Liberty culinary participants, and the list is updated daily, Best said. Restaurants participating will get a sticker to display on their front doors.

Steve Browne, vice president of human resources for LaRosa’s Inc., will be the keynote speaker at the 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. luncheon preceding the expo

This year, the expo will offer a contest to name the “Best Taste of West Chester-Liberty”

In an effort to better promote and highlight the restaurants in the area, all lunch attendees will get to vote on four categories: Best Appetizer; Best Soup, Side, or Salad; Best Entrée; Best Dessert.

The winners will be featured in the chamber’s month “Voice” magazine and on its social media accounts, Best said.

A “surprise ending” will factor into the final hour of the event, she said.

Chamber officials said there are approximately 70 booths spoken for with an average of five or more new booths being reserved each day. Businesses may book a booth all the way up to the event, but officials say they do not recommend waiting to do so. Last year, the chamber had 110 booths at the expo.

A member reservation for the luncheon is $35 and a non-member reservation is $45. For more information, call 513-777-3600 or email Anne Peterson at apetersen@thechamberalliance.com.

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