From staff reports
Businesses may have been battered by Hurricane Ivan but if participation in this year’s Business Expo is any indication, the road to recovery is well in hand.
The annual Chamber of Commerce event – which was cancelled last year due to Ivan – has garnered broad support from the business community.
‘I’m delighted with the number of businesses that have decided to exhibit,’ said Chamber CEO Wil Pineau. ‘It’s a testament that the recovery is in hand and that some things are getting back to normal.’
The show runs Thursday through Saturday at the Lions Community Centre.
The popular event draws an average of 6,000 people through the gates.
‘It’s one of the few occasions where you have all types of business under one roof,’ said Mr. Pineau. ‘I call it Cayman’s largest shopping centre – you can get information on everything from plants to home design to automobiles to hurricane shutters to cell phones to gift items for Christmas.’
Expect to see some new faces this year including Cayman Corker, a home-brewing store, and Storm Catcher, which offers the latest in hurricane protection.
It’s a special time for two local entries – the Chamber of Commerce and Cayman Free Press are each celebrating 40-year anniversaries.
Cayman Free Press Managing Director Brian Uzzell said the Expo will afford his company the right venue to get information about its products to the public.
The CFP exhibit will follow on the company’s 40th anniversary theme, he said.
‘We’re going to take them back in our history, show them where we are at present and take them into the future,’ Mr. Uzzell said.
Part of the fun at the CFP booths will be an opportunity to navigate the internet via www.caycompass.com, CFP’s website.
Those attending the CFP booths will also get to sample the newest edition of InsideOut magazine and pick up a free copy of Shop Cayman, a supplement to the Caymanian Compass focusing on Cayman Islands businesses.
Expo goers will also learn about the other services CFP offers, including top-quality commercial printing.
The platinum sponsor for this year’s Expo is Cable and Wireless.
“Cable & Wireless has been the platinum sponsor before for this much looked forward to event and felt it necessary to show our support once again as a symbol of encouragement for the Chamber and its initiatives,’ said Andrea Fa’amoe, Corporate Communications manager at C&W. ‘Having just reached the first anniversary of Hurricane Ivan, we recognise the importance of and wholeheartedly support initiatives to showcase Cayman’s businesses and boost our Islands’ economy.’
The Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is the largest tradeshow of local businesses and service providers. Exhibitors are able to attract new customers and interact with existing clients.
‘As one of the leading companies in Cayman, which employs a large number of Caymanians, we enjoy this opportunity to highlight our new products and special promotions, as well as meet with our valued customers,’ explained Ms Fa’amoe.
There are 38 companies participating in the Expo this year, which will be opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Charles Clifford, Minister for Tourism, Environment, Investment and Commerce; Mr. Joseph Hew, President of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. Eddie Thompson, Chairman, Business Expo; Mr. Wil Pineau, Chamber CEO and C&W representatives at 5.30pm Thursday.
Following the ceremony guests will be able to go inside the Expo to shop, explore, mingle and make their way around the exhibits.
Energy conservation will be in the spotlight at the Expo this year.
Electra-Tech is featuring its solar products while Caribbean Utilities Company will be offering tips on how to cut back on consumption and save money.
Dominating the show, however, will be the island’s telecom companies, said Mr. Pineau.
‘Telecoms and communications seem to be the theme this year.’
Expect to see the latest in products and services along with special offers that promise to give visitors something to talk about. There will be giveaways, glitzy, high-tech displays along with hands-on opportunities to try out the newest cell phone and internet products.
‘Telecom competition has been good for Cayman,’ said Mr. Pineau. ‘It’s created a very vibrant industry and certainly this year’s expo will not disappoint.’
The 2005 Business Expo opens to the public Friday from noon to 9pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
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