The second annual Russell County Chamber of Commerce/Cumberlands Workforce Business Expo took place last Tuesday at the Russell County Auditorium Complex, and was once again a resounding success.

The development of the event came about after local businesses recognized a lack of knowledge within the community of the various local businesses, what they had to offer, and also to promote mutual support in business.  The coordination of the event introduced the many hundreds of attendees to businesses throughout our community that they may not have been aware.

Giveaways were everywhere throughout the two hour event, as everyone went from booth to booth, sampling food, playing games, entering drawings and picking up useful items, from magnets to t-shirts; mugs and glasses to food package clips.

Throughout the event, registrants were chosen every few minutes to win a door prize worth at least $25, and as people wound their way through booths of exceptional presentation they kept one ear on the sound system to hear their name called.

"We really appreciate all the businesses coming out and making the event such a success," said Tonya Meece, event co-coordinator and local business owner, "We also appreciate all the media, radio stations and the newspaper, for covering this event for us."

It would be hard to speculate what kind of impact such events have, individually, on business in a community, but it is known that community consciousness of purchasing locally can have a dramatic effect on a local economy.  

"We really look forward to another great year," said Meece, "We hope everyone will see the importance of shopping at home after this event."

Local businesses that participated in this year's Russell County Business Expo were:  Bank of Jamestown, Bennett's Carpets, Bonair Farms, Branscum Construction, Columbia Medical Equipment,

Commonwealth Cancer Center, Community Trust Bank, Country Folks Realty & Auction, Cumberland Foot & Ankle Center, Duo County Telecom, Edward Jones, Expressions from the Heart, Franklin Motors, Godby Wealth Management, Golden Rule-Wilson Real Estate, Hubbard's Building Supply, IBC, Indian Hills Resort Alligator II, Jamestown Café, Lakepointe Resort, Lakewoods Rent to Own, LC Feed & Farm Supply, LC State Park, Lifeline Home Health, Mary Kay Cosmetics, MKS & Associates, Montgomery Furniture, Monticello Bank, Moore's Cabinets, RC Extension Office, RC Hospital, RC Ky Farm Bureau, Rogers Alum and Glass, Inc., Sano Meat & Deli, Southern Rayz Tanning Salon, Superior Battery Mfg., The Cove, The Porch Restaurant, TNT Carpet, True Family Chiropractic, WHVE, Williams Comfort Air, Wilson's Home Products Inc.,  WJRS, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.