WARRENDALE, Allegheny County — THE CHAMBER of Commerce’s annual marquee event returns on Monday as the Neighborhood Business Expo, which will showcase more than 120 businesses.

Attendance last year exceeded 900 visitors, according to officials, and has averaged around 1,000 for each of its four years.

The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton off Sheraton Drive. The event is free and open to the public.

THE CHAMBER has more than 1,000 members serving the business communities in the Cranberry and Northern Allegheny County areas.

Rebecca Martin, CEO and president of THE CHAMBER, said the popularity of THE CHAMBER’s signature event is a sign of the area’s vibrancy.

The event, said Martin, is an effective way for small- to medium-sized businesses to introduce themselves and their products and services to the public.

She added that national surveys have indicated that 49 percent of consumers are more likely to trust a business that is a member of a chamber of commerce. “It (chambers) is globally renowned and its businesses have a reputation of credible business practices,” she said.

All types of business will be present including retail, financial, insurance, education, nonprofit and restaurants.

Jerry Walkins, owner of Send Out Cards and a member of THE CHAMBER, said, “The businesses are quite pleased with the community support.

“It’s a good time, and we look forward to doing it,” Walkins said

Lisa Hunt, business development representative for the USX Federal Credit Union, who got involved with the event last year, said that every manner of business is represented.

“It is a very effective marketing tool and very cost effective for businesses,” said Hunt, who added THE CHAMBER charges a reasonable fee to its members to participate.

She explained that her company has participated in expos that cost upward of $2,000 with fewer visitors.

Hunt added the Neighborhood Business Expo is also a fun, family thing to do for parents and their children.

There will be food vendors stationed throughout the exposition.

For further information on the expo, contact THE CHAMBER at 724-934-9700.