With the economic pendulum on a down stroke and the Spotlight on
Hollister trade show and job fair only a few months away, the
Economic Development Corporation is scrambling to put the show
together.
With the economic pendulum on a down stroke and the Spotlight on Hollister trade show and job fair only a few months away, the Economic Development Corporation is scrambling to put the show together.
Director Al Martinez said the EDC is having problems securing sponsors for this year’s trade show. Two years ago EDC had 26 sponsors for the event, but that number dropped to 12 last year. This year’s goal is 20 sponsors but only two have been secured.
“Right now I’m chasing down sponsors,” Martinez said. “Physically, in hand, I only have two sponsors. Others have promised, but I only have two.”
Reservations for booths at which local businesses display their products and services, however, have been coming in at the same rate as last year. Martinez said his “gut feeling” is that the economy will again affect the trade show.
“We’re having a tough job,” he said. “That’s why we have this big drive going on.”
Martinez said he has been mailing out flyers and making phone calls to local businesses in hopes of filling all the booths. But it hasn’t been easy because of the economy, he said.
Spotlight on Hollister is a great way for businesses to promote themselves in the community, Martinez said, and because the event incorporates a job fair it’s also a good way to recruit employees.
“The CHP is always out there recruiting officers,” he said. “All the public agencies are welcomed to sign up.”
Martinez hopes to bring back some businesses that have not participated in the trade show for some time.
“It’s a good opportunity to see what’s out there,” he said.
Until last year, the annual event was held at the Veterans Memorial Building. But when renovation of the building began last year it was moved outdoors, to the field at the former Fremont School. That was another factor in the low turnout, Martinez said.
“We took a hit,” he said. “We had less people – maybe only 100 booths altogether compared to the prior year when we had 114 booths and had to put up an extra tent.”
Martinez said the EDC is hopeful that the renovated Veterans Building will be a draw. But in the meantime, “We’re looking for a few good sponsors.”
To reserve a booth, call Martinez at 636-1882.
