Six chambers collaborate at Route 2 Expo

By Owen Boss

FITCHBURG — Business officials attending the first Route 2 Business Expo said they were excited to see the event was so successful, and the expo offered both visiting guests and regional businesses the opportunity to exchange information and ideas, and highlighted the strength of the regional economy. The event, which had approximately 160 different businesses presenting informational booths, was a collaboration of local businesses and six regional chambers, including the Greater Gardner, Middlesex West, Nashoba Valley, North Central Massachusetts, North Quabbin, and Wachusett Chambers of Commerce. Mike Ellis, president and CEO of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, said that the event was important because it showed so many thriving businesses throughout north central Massachusetts. “The national economy is driven by small businesses that help make up the innovative economy,” said Mr. Ellis. “The fact that we have six different chambers working on this event shows the commitment of the business leadership in the area to maintain a healthy vibrant economy.” Among the businesses participating at the event was Adspecifically Yours Promotional Products, which operates out of Boxborough. The business’s owner, Tim Lundy, said that because of the nature of his business, Adspecially Yours is constantly attending trade expositions, and that he thought that this expo seemed particularly successful. “Business to business interaction really is our bread and butter, so we’ve done a lot of business expos in the past,” said Mr. Lundy. “So far I have been very impressed with the traffic of people coming through today to look at various businesses and products, it really has been great.” Also participating was the World Green Business Association, which operates out of Worcester. Director of Programs and Community Relations Amy Mosher said that because her company provides information to area businesses about how they can “go green,” the show was an important way to network with a lot of potential regional customers at once. “We are here to hopefully expand out clientele,” said Ms. Mosher. “We typically work with businesses that really don’t know where to start in terms of going green; this expo is a great way for us to get the word out to both small and large businesses in the area.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 5/15/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 116)