Chamber’s trade fest is boon to the region

It was brisk and sunny on Sunday, March 27, an ideal day for the 19th annual Tri-State Chamber Buy Local Festival, held once again at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, Conn. What a day it was — with high turnout and high energy to the end. It was the most successful trade show the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce has seen during its nearly two-decade run. Estimates put crowds at somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000, a new record for the event. The public seemed to respond well to the chamber’s buy local theme, which was right in line with its motto of “connecting commerce and community.”The more than 60 businesses that participated Sunday experienced high traffic at their booths, a good indication of the festival’s success. The frenzy of activity proved many from around the region took full advantage of the opportunity to get to know their local tradesmen, service providers and area institutions. What is always so wonderful about the trade festival is that it provides the ideal occasion for residents living throughout New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts to educate themselves on what services and businesses are available locally and what types of resources are within their reach. Best of all, the trade fair supplies that valuable education within a few hours’ time in one central location — and that’s hard to beat. The day also happened to be a lot of fun (just ask all of those who collected the wide assortment of freebies handed out at the different booths). There was entertainment, food, even flowers and free massages — not to mention loads of information.Also worthy of mention? The trade festival is always completely free of charge to the public. Year after year families make it a destination, and there’s little doubt the children enjoy themselves. This year there was face painting, and, of course, lots of music. Let’s not forget the bags and bags of popcorn. Adults, too, always seem to enjoy the frivolities. Regardless of age there was plenty to entertain and inspire — from one-of-a-kind handmade bags and jewelry to sign-ups for Habitat for Humanity. Then there are the many business cards to collect and phone numbers to exchange, business connections to make and deals to broker.But the event did not just happen by chance. Chamber members worked hard to pull the trade festival together. It takes a lot of planning and organization to make something that appears so seamless come together, and all of that behind-the-scenes work deserves to be recognized. So, to the chamber and all of those who volunteered their time, energy and skills to the very successful Buy Local Festival of 2011, kudos, job well done. You really know how to get down to business!We can’t wait to see what you have in store for the 20th annual trade festival.