MARSHALL TWP — THE CHAMBER of Commerce’s annual Neighborhood Business Expo is a chance for business representatives to meet with each other and consumers and to showcase their products and services.

Companies set up booths where they distribute pamphlets, free samples and other items.

Susan Balla, executive director of THE CHAMBER, said the chamber expects about 1,000 people to attend this year.

The event already has sold out the 140 allotted vendor slots.

Although the event is an opportunity for the businesses to network between themselves, Balla encourages the public to attend to learn about each company.

A portion of the proceeds garnered from the vendor fees will be donated to Discover Hope Here, a Cranberry Township-based career transition service organization that provides career resources for job seekers.

The expo gives the community an opportunity to know the businesses better while businesses get to showcase their products, services, talent and expertise, said Balla.

It features a wide array of businesses including restaurants, banks, dental practices, sign companies, real estate groups, colleges, insurance companies, hair salons, photographers and landscapers.

There will be a Neighborhood Block Party for those in attendance, which is patterned after THE CHAMBER’s business after hours networking events.

Entertainment from 5 to 7 p.m. will be by the North Allegheny Strolling Strings band.

Prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes. They will include gift certificates, an iPod, a patio set, a week’s vacation in Hilton Head, S.C. and a go-cart.

Mike Hall, owner of General Rental Center in Cranberry, said the expo gives his business great exposure to other businesses and the public.

“We get out and set up our display. People get to see, feel and touch what we do,” said Hall. “You do a lot of networking with our people and build relationships with other vendors.”

“Allegent Community Federal Credit Union is new to the Franklin Park area and to the Chamber of Commerce, Inc.,” Kevin Anglemyer, Allegent’s chief executive officer, said. “We decided to participate in the expo this year to help support the chamber’s event through sponsorship, and we also wanted to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to the North Pittsburgh, Northern Allegheny and Cranberry communities.”

Dan Swartz, vice president of marketing for ESB Bank, said the expo gives his bank to opportunity to develop business.

Swartz added ESB Bank also is committed to its community involvement and supports participating in these types of events.