Pens, pens, and more pens: They were the primary giveaway (thank goodness—a hobnobber can never have too many pens) at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce’s 29th annual Business Trade Show.
Among the many freebies on parade were also food samples from local restaurants. Moxie made its trade show debut with its popular, mouthwatering tri-tip chili. The Far Western got our attention with a tasty pinquito-bean salad. Doc Bernstein’s was its usual crowd-pleasing self with samples of merlot ice cream. Patricio’s Pizza couldn’t cut the pizza pies fast enough to supply all the people who stopped by its booth outside the Plaza Building.
Gourmet mac and cheese—spicy and delicious—was at the Radisson Hotel booth, while the Santa Maria Inn served mini wraps and a variety of appetizers on mirrored trays.
Starry Sky Café from Allan Hancock College served coffee and sipping chocolate. The coffee went zoom, zoom, zoom fast (a hint for next year’s vendors).
Doesn’t it all sound just too delicious? There were such good reasons not to bypass this event.
Held on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 11, at the Santa Maria Fairpark, the trade show played host to more than 100 exhibitors. Some of the exhibitors, like Avon rep Linda Mangat and Kathryn Fischer of Fischer’s Fine jewelry, were first-timers.
Of course, Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino, seen chatting with the Chamber’s Gina Keough, wouldn’t miss these festivities for anything. City Council member Bob Orach and his wife, Mary Alice, and City Council member Jack Boysen made appearances as well.
Judy and Hardy Hearn and Martin and Debi Testa were among those in the crowd, along with Hancock President/Superintendent Kevin Walthers and the Radisson Hotel’s general manager, Jean Luc Garon.
Because of the date of the show, Sept. 11, the chamber chose a patriotic theme—United We Stand—in tribute to the memory of the victims and horror of 9-11.
Bursts of red, white, and blue decorated the buildings. There was a cardboard Statue of Liberty (not life-sized) and several Uncle Sam’s scattered about (both real people and plastic). Court Appointed Special Advocates gave away red, white, and blue beads.
The Santa Maria Historical Society is jazzed big time about its upcoming, first- time American Antiques Show to be held at the Santa Maria Inn on Nov. 1. At the Society’s trade show booth, Board President Jim Zemaitis said, “I am very pleased with how plans for the event are progressing.” Antique show booths for dealers and artists are still available. Call event coordinator Christine Gerber at 598-9192 or email her at chritinegerber@me.com for info on how you can be part of the action.
Besides food and pens, exhibitors also gave away gift baskets, a Hewlett Packard printer, theater tickets (to the Clark Center and PCPA), Frisbees, and hand cream. Some lucky person won a free bone density test or a free mammogram from Digital Imaging.
The Library Gift Shop gave away free books. Santa Barbara Family Dentistry gave us toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss.
Roy Allen, Heidi Gruetzemacher, and Richard and Barbara Giachetto were among those who enjoyed networking and booth visiting.
Mary Hernandez has made a business out of fashioning heavy duty, near indestructible, industrial-strength fabric into stylish handbags. She and husband Ed, who runs Mission City Fumigation (take that, termites!) shared a space that attracted a lot of attention.
There were two booths representing Vandenberg Air Force Base—one for the 30th Space Wing and one for an organization that supports social programs and leisure activities for the Air Force personnel. The Guadalupe American Legion also had a booth. In honor of the date (9-11), the Chamber gave free space to military and public safety organizations.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Sep 18-25, 2014.