Besides the free pens and magnets, the Ninth Annual Spotlight on
Hollister trade show provided something more valuable to local
business owners and residents alike
– information.
Besides the free pens and magnets, the Ninth Annual Spotlight on Hollister trade show provided something more valuable to local business owners and residents alike – information.
Wednesday’s day-long event showcased almost 100 businesses throughout the county at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Business owners were able to hawk their proverbial wares, residents learned about the county’s economy and job hunters just had to stroll from booth to booth to find a new profession.
New business owners Lisa and Robert Truskowski opened their business, All Those Little Errands, Monday.
The trade show provided an excellent jumping off point for the couple to promote their burgeoning business, Robert said.
“We’re hoping to get the name out and get some people calling,” he said. “It’s perfect timing… and the feeling is very positive.”
Last year’s show occurred the day after the Veterans Building was finished remodeling, so this year’s event went a little smoother because the coordinators had more time to put everything together, said Sue Rocha, a member of the trade show committee.
Foot traffic was fairly light around 1:30 p.m., but Rocha predicted an increase later in the day, she said.
“I think it’s terrific this year,” Rocha said. “It’s pretty average attendance for this time of day, but as the day progresses it picks up because the food comes in.”
A mixer showcasing several local restaurants occurred from 5:30 p.m. until the show ended at 7 p.m.
Certified Financial Planner Mary Lacey Gibson, who has been attending the trade show for several years, uses the event to garner exposure for her business and to learn a few things about Hollister’s business community she didn’t already know, she said.
“People have called me a year later when they find a magnet or pencil with my name on it,” Gibson said. “Even if I get one client out of this, it’s worth it… And I didn’t even know there was a Curves here in Hollister.”
The trade show, which doubled as a job fair, enticed Hollister residents Elizabeth and Adriana Silva to meander through the brightly colored tables laden with flyers, brochures and candy-filled baskets.
The two sisters recently graduated from college and used the show to obtain some information on jobs in the graphic design field.
“If you’re looking for a job, it’s good because it gives lots of information about the county,” Elizabeth said. “I knew some of these businesses were here, but I didn’t know what they did.”
