Corrections or additions?
This article by Kathleen McGinn Spring was prepared for the August
22, 2001 edition of U.S.
1 Newspaper. All rights reserved.
Chamber, U.S. 1 Trade Fair: Networking, Speakers, Fun
No fewer than 35 new companies will join longtime
exhibitors
at the Chamber of Commerce of the Princeton Area’s Business Trade
Fair and U.S. 1 Technology Showcase. The yearly event, now in its
third decade, takes place on Thursday, August 30, at the Doral
Forrestal.
"We’re full to capacity," says C. Ellen Hodges, president
of the Chamber. This year’s exhibitors come from an especially broad
range of industries. Among those joining the line-up are Body by God,
a chiropractic practice, Evergreen Printing & Publishing, Affinity
Federal Credit Union, Sovereign Bank, and Miele.
Last year the theme was science, with particular emphasis on the
Genome
Project. This year, world trade is an important theme. "Anybody
can trade," says Hodges. "We’re trying to promote it to small
and mid-size businesses, to say to them `You’re eligible to do
this.’"
The day starts off with a 10 a.m. International Coffee Hour in the
lounge near the Doral Forrestal’s entrance. Daniel Fleming,
an attorney with Alexander Road law firm Wong & Fleming, addresses
participants on "The Pacific Rim Countries: How They Affect Your
Business."
Following Fleming’s talk, there will be networking opportunities and
a chance to visit exhibits before the luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m.
"In today’s economy, the main thrust is doing business," says
Hodges. "We’re trying to get members to do business with other
members." While many in the organization routinely seek one
another
out, Hodges says one of the requests she hears most frequently is
for networking opportunities. Networking organizations LeTip and the
Princeton Council will be on hand at the Trade Fair, explaining how
their organizations facilitate interaction among professionals and
businesses.
The speaker at the luncheon is Joachim Schafer, president of
Hannover Fairs USA, a company that organizes trade fairs around the
world. He speaks on how companies can market themselves through
participation
in regional, national, and international trade fairs. While there
is no charge for the exhibits, events, or the Technology Showcase,
the cost for the luncheon is $28.
The U.S. 1 Technology Showcase runs concurrently with the Chamber
events and includes exhibits by 16 high tech companies. At 4 p.m.
Joseph Montemarano, director for industrial liaison at Princeton
University, speaks on "From the Ivory Tower: A Princeton Guide
to Valuable Technology." See story, page 16, and for the complete
list of exhibitors see page 49.
Throughout the day there will be special events. Counselors from
S.C.O.R.E.
will be on hand to offer advice to fledgling entrepreneurs — or
those who want to move to the next level. And between 2 and 3 p.m.,
and again from 4 until 5 p.m., Renee C. Martin, owner of Forgery
Forensics, will offer hand writing analysis. A Fitness Center will
be in full swing all day long. "Miele is going to be cooking,"
says Hodges. And fitness organizations, including New York Sports
Club, will be demonstrating the latest ways to get in shape.
After trying out some fitness equipment and getting tips on healthy
cooking, participants can head for a food, wine, and beer tasting.
Held from 3 to 5 p.m., the event features food and drink from a number
of popular restaurants, including the Big Fish Seafood Bistro, the
Ferry House, Independence Cafe, Chez Alice, Palmer Inn, River Horse
Brewery, Triumph Brewing Company, and Unionville Vineyards.
Throughout the afternoon, there will be drawings for door prizes.
Says Hodges of this year’s trade fair: "It’s going to be bigger
and better than ever." In most years that would be the cliche
answer you would expect from the Chamber of Commerce. In this year
of the dot.com meltdown and technology slide, however, it is an
affirmation
that the diverse Princeton business community so far is weathering
the storm well.
Corrections or additions?
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