CONNECTIONS 2014 TRADESHOW BRINGS BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER

PRINCE WILLIAM, VA— Connections, Prince William’s largest tradeshow returns on Thursday, October 23 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, located at 10900 University Boulevard in Manassas. Connections 2014 is free and open to the public, thanks to the support of event sponsors -CourteNational Capital Region of the Red Courtesy QMT Windchimes, Logis Tech Inc., My Plumber Heating & Cooling, Lockheed Martin and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. Minnieland Academy is the Chamber’s Education Vision Partner. Comcast is the Chamber’s Business Growth Vision Partner.
Chamber Chairman Debbie Bennett of Bennett Atkinson & Associates, PC is excited to see what this year’s show will bring, “Connections is a showcase for local businesses. I enjoy seeing members of the community get to know businesses that they might not otherwise be aware of. As its name suggests, Connections is primarily about bringing businesses together with potential customers, be they fellow businesses or consumers,” says Debbie. “Many exhibitors also use the show as an arena to make a splash with a big announcement or new product. Each year we receive stories from members of how Connections helped raise awareness of their business and led to increased sales. We know that will be the case again this year!
Something new you’ll see at Connections 2014 is the addition of “Innovation Stations”. In a scavenger hunt format, attendees will be given a passport and encouraged to visit participating exhibitors. “Innovation Stations” help attendees learn more about the innovative products and services provided by businesses here in our area. Participants will submit the completed passport to be entered to win a prize awarded to the winner following the event. We are pleased to have Lockheed Martin as the Innovation Station Sponsor for Connections 2014.
Based on attendance in past years, the Chamber expects more than 1,600 attendees at Connections 2014. More than 100 exhibitors will participate, giving members of the public the opportunity to learn about businesses operating in and around Prince William County as well as the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Exhibitors offering products and services for both consumers and other businesses will be on hand. Many participants are also set to offer special show pricing during Connections. Attendees will have the convenience of stopping by the 95 Express Lanes booth to purchase their EZ pass. For those seeking employment opportunities, the Prince William County Government-Department of Human Resources will be promoting open positions in Prince William County. Lastly, don’t miss out on the chance to meet the Red Cross Therapy Dogs and learn about their Emergency Response Vehicles.
Attendance and parking are free with a shuttle service provided for overflow parking. Attendees will be treated to free food and drink from: Bad to the Bone Smokehouse, PF Changs, Glory Days Grill, Chick-Fil-A, Chicago Grill and Virginia Water Conditioning. All attendees will also be eligible for a $500 cash prize drawing, sponsored by 95 Express Lanes in addition to the many exhibitor door prizes and giveaways. The Gainesville Times/Prince William Times is the Community Partner for the tradeshow.
For more information about attending Connections 2014, go to www.pwchamber.org/connections and click on the Attendee info tab or call the Prince William Chamber of Commerce at 703-368-6600.

Exhibitors and attendees, look for this banner in the lobby of the Freedom Center, inviting you to Prince William’s largest tradeshow. Attendance, parking and food are free, plus all attendees are eligible for a $500 cash prize.
 
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About the Prince William Chamber of Commerce:
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is the largest voice for the business community in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region. Together with our nearly 2,000 members that represent more than 70,000 employees, we work to create an environment where business and people thrive. To accomplish this, we focus our efforts in the key areas of business growth, economic development, advocacy, education and community outreach. In this way, we are building a solid foundation for the success of our business members and our community. For more information, visit our website at www.pwchamber.org or call the Prince William Chamber at 703-368-6600.