TIFTON — Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce representatives said the second Business Expo was as successful as the first and participating businesses made sure it was even livelier than the last.

A multitude of Tifton and Tift County businesses gathered together at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center to take part in the chamber’s annual business event April 13.

Sponsored by Synovus Bank, Coca-Cola, Southern Appliance, Heatcraft and Southwell, community members and business owners mingled and connected with representatives of companies and locally owned establishments in their hometown.

“I love these kinds of things,” said Kevin O’Neill, branch manager of fiber optics internet service Clearwave Fiber and a repeat visitor of the expo. “We get to not only meet people that are coming around but we also get to see some businesses that are here as we go around and meet them as well … it’s a win-win.”

While the event had many returning organizations such as intellectual disability support agency Diversified Enterprises and the Coca-Cola Company, the 2023 expo saw some newcomers joining the event for the first time, such as Traditions Health Hospice and Southern Appliance Sales and Service.

New and old businesses alike were eager to strut their stuff and bring a new energy to the event, not only interacting and conversing with the eventgoers that would pass by their tables but adding in a little something extra.

In addition to the usual promo products being handed out, several businesses offered attendees demonstrations of their services, games like mini golf and ring toss, and even their own snacks and drinks to accompany the expo’s catering.

And all throughout the event, many of these same businesses offered prizes to the various guests and fellow business owners, handing out tumblers, gift cards, speakers and other gifts with the help of the chamber.

Chamber President Melody Cowart said she was proud of the expo’s turnout for both the businesses taking part and the residents who came to connect with them, adding she and the rest of the chamber were already hard at work planning and recruiting for the following year’s expo.

“It’s a good thing that the chamber is doing for local businesses,” said Josh Roberts, Southern Appliance general manager. “And definitely a good thing to support the community.”

Cowart said the chamber is hoping to announce the date of next year’s expo soon, adding it will likely be next April.