The first Clarington Showcase will bring businesses from across the municipality to Bowmanville for a free, one-day exhibition on October 3.
The Clarington Board of Trade is organizing the event at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and give residents a single place to meet local operators from several industries.
Event focuses on local products and services
Board of Trade executive director Bonnie Wrightman described the showcase as a vendor fair for Clarington products and services. The goal is to help visitors discover businesses spread across Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle, Orono and rural communities.
Admission is free. Organizers say residents can attend to learn about local companies without being expected to make a major purchase.
The event comes as local businesses face higher operating costs and uncertainty linked to the Canada-U.S. trade dispute. Wrightman told DurhamRegion.com that the timing made the Board of Trade’s long-standing idea for a community-wide showcase especially relevant.
Business owners seek direct connections
Michelle Dunbar, owner of Live Well Exercise Clinic in Bowmanville, is among the participating operators. Her business combines health care and fitness services adapted to a client’s health and activity level.
Dunbar said an in-person exhibition allows business owners and residents to connect more directly than through social media or print. It can also help businesses learn what other services are available and make referrals within the community.
She said cautious consumer spending has made growth difficult across many industries. The showcase is intended to raise awareness of local options at a time when businesses are trying to maintain their operations.
Residents should confirm final exhibitor and accessibility information with the Clarington Board of Trade before October 3.
