Annual expo will showcase goods, services
Health care providers, nonprofit organizations, financial advisers and a variety of businesses will gather to showcase their services and goods at the 18th annual Health, Wealth, Wellness and More Expo, sponsored by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.
The expo is being held in the Clearview Mall from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Giving members of the chamber a chance to display their services in a place with a lot of foot traffic is the goal of the expo, said Stan Kosciuszko, chamber executive director.
“The primary purpose is to give chamber members an opportunity to showcase their businesses,” Kosciuszko said.
He started the expo when he began working for the chamber 18 years ago.
“It's something that was well needed and the Clearview Mall was very receptive to having us. It's an ideal location,” he said.
As of early last week 32 exhibitors signed up to set up displays, but there is room for 50 and all 50 places are usually taken by the time the expo begins, he said. All exhibitors are required to have a giveaway, raffle or some kind of free promotion.
“It's proven to be a very good event for us and the public likes it. The exhibitors keep coming back so they must be getting something out of it,” Kosciuszko said. “We get quite bit of foot traffic especially when it's cold. People like to walk in the mall so we'll have pretty good attendance.”
Health care providers and nonprofit organizations are usually well represented at the expo, but the number of home improvement contractors and suppliers that attend has grown over the last few years, he said.
The Victim Outreach Intervention Center in Butler will be represented by Maizee Zaccone, the center outreach and volunteer advocate, and other staff members.
“We are the comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault agency in Butler County. We want people to know we exist. There is a definite need in the county for our services,” Zaccone said.
People who visit the VOICe table can learn about the organization's services such as the 24-hour, confidential emergency hot line, emergency shelter and transitional housing, she said.
Crime survivors can get immediate access to services by calling the hot line, and the shelter and transitional housing provide a place for survivors and their children to escape abuse and receive emotional support, she said.
“We are experts in dealing with abuse,” Zaccone said.
Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot will have a table at the expo where staff can tell visitors about the many services available for seniors and younger people with care needs.
“It's a way for people to come and chat with us about the services we have to offer. That full continuum of care will be on display,” said Dino Capestrani, director of communications for home and community services at Concordia.
He said Concordia can provide services at its facility and at clients' homes, and operates the Good Samaritan Hospice in Valencia.
“Our home or in your home. Our own bricks and mortar facility or we provide services to you in your home,” Capestrani said. Available services include retirement living, short-term rehabilitation, adult day services, long-term nursing care, visiting nurses and home health and personal care.
“It's a great way to kick the tires while you're shopping at the mall,” he said.
Among the vendors at the 18th annual Health, Wealth, Wellness and More Expo are:Allegheny Health NetworkArmco Credit UnionArmsCareButler County Chamber of CommerceButler YMCAButler County Business MattersButler County Veterans ServicesButler Health SystemButler VA Health Care SystemConcordia Lutheran MinistriesCare Chiropractic CenterHighmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldHearingLifeMedExpress Urgent CaredoTERRAThe Arc of Butler CountyTri Rivers Musculoskeletal CentersLeafFilter North of PennsylvaniaTransitions Healthcare Autumn GroveKennihan Plumbing & HeatingThe Orchards of SaxonburgLeaf Home Safety SolutionsLeafGuard of PittsburghNatural Health Care ServicesProgressive Workshop of Armstrong CountyRenewal by AndersenSunnyviewUnited HealthcareUPMCUPMC for YouVictim Outreach Intervention CenterYour CBD Store
