While business and financial experts flip-flop across the country trying to decide if 2011 is a turnaround year for the economy, local businesses at this year’s Jackson-Belden Chamber Business Expo feel the year is shaping up to be a better one than the last few. Area restaurants, financial services, medical, retail, IT companies, and many others were setup to propel business forward and to network at the Business Expo on Feb. 23.
The event, in its ninth year, was held at The University Center at Kent State Stark. There were 80 companies setup and the Chamber was expecting more than 500 attendees, in part to a more positive business outlook by local companies, for now anyway. Another reason for an increase in attendance, according to Jackie Palmer, operations manager for the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce, members were able for the first time to send out an electronic guest pass through the Chamber.
The mood was upbeat and highly professional. The venue was surging with energy. Both of the consultants hosting the table for Himebaugh Consulting, Inc and Cannet Internet Services were doing their part in creating the positive energy.
“Business is looking up. This year is looking better than the past two years. Clients are getting more comfortable in setting IT budgets,” said Tracy Pallaye, unit manager for Himebaugh.
“It seems like businesses are starting to see that an investment in technology is a way out of the downturn,” said Jason Kennedy from Himebaugh.
Jennifer Warner, co-owner of Cupid’s Kitchen on Woodlawn Avenue, has been seeing a steady increase of sales every month. The company has been open less than a year but Warner believes this year is looking really good for sales. Warner and her husband Larry have a café and offer a full line of catering services for weddings, showers and graduation parties.
Reportedly, one of the reasons for small businesses having troubles making a turnaround has been the problems with banks being reluctant to lend money.
Ross Sommers, branch manager for the Belden Village office of FirstMerit Bank said, “This year is off to a good start. It looks better than last year at this time. We are lending to small businesses.”
While lending may have been problematic, e-commerce has been profiled as a positive. Marketing online through social networking and through websites has continued to be an effective venture for selling. Bernie DeWees, owner of BDeWees Consulting works with his son Matthew to offer management and e-business consulting services. Their office is located on Selkirk Circle in Canton.
