Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is wrapping up - KOAM TV 7

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is wrapping up

Updated January 23, 2013 at 4:25 PM CST:  The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is in full swing with companies hoping to ensure residents recognize them when shopping.

More than 200 businesses set up booths this year, offering gifts and information about what's new and improved.

Many visitors say the Expo is a great way to see all the different business and what services they offer to the community.

One business had fun with year's theme "Joplin Rocks and the Future is on a Roll" by dressing up as members from the band Kiss.

"We are a business so it's important for us to be out and market ourselves, but the value of this I think is just having fun and getting out and showing people we enjoy being with them and having a good time," says Dr. Dan Young, the owner of Young Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Organizers say the Expo usually brings in around 6,000 visitors each year.

The Expo is being held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center and closes tonight at 6 p.m.

Reported January 22, 2013 at 4:31 PM CST:  The 21st annual Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo got underway today.

This year the Expo is being held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.

This year's theme is "Joplin Rocks and the Future is on a Roll" and is a chance for businesses to show off new products and services.  This year more than 200 exhibitors have set up booths.

Organizers say it's a chance to showcase what Joplin has to offer.

"We want people to know that we have a lot of businesses here locally and in Joplin and the surrounding areas and we really want to keep our business local," says JACC Chairperson Shelly Kraft.

Tuesday is for businesses only.  Wednesday the Business Expo is open to public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Admission is $5.

The event usually draws up to 6,000 visitors each year.