GSPCC Holiday Trade Fair Kicks Off The Season

By Rochelle Karina
The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce Holiday Trade Fair is not your average venue. At an average event, attendees can expect to find bored looking people in business suits counting the minutes until they can leave. At the GSPCC event, it’s a different story.

The stage is alive with entertainment, ranging from clowns to martial arts demonstrations; the back of the room is full of folks mingling, enjoying food offerings from local restaurants and the aisles between the booths are buzzing with conversation.
“The Fair is a showcase for the business community,” says Linda Zahn, Chamber of Commerce CEO. “It’s an opportunity to market and reach out in the tight economy.”
With 44 tables of vendors lining the Earleigh Heights Fire Hall, representatives from the police and fire department were on hand, as always. Near the door, a fireman in full gear helped fascinated children suit up as “firemen.”
“The GSPCC Trade Fair is an excellent way to meet other business and members of the Chamber,” said Eydie Lieberman, a lifestyle consultant. “It’s a great opportunity for networking.” Liberman, a perfect example of Big Vanilla’s motto, “Where fun meets fitness,” was standing next to an unattractive blob representing five pounds of fat and happily discussing the fitness center that has been an area icon for over 30 years.
“The fair let’s people come in and discover the businesses in the Chamber of Commerce,” explained Zahn. “If you’re looking for a business, it’s a nice one-stop shop where everyone is warm and approachable.”
A quick walk around the aisles proved Zahn’s point. Every vendor was smiling, friendly and ready to answer questions. The name of the game was networking.
“We’re house shopping in the area,” Naomi Pride explained. “Our real estate agent told us about this; she said it was a great way to learn more about the area. She was right.”
Colorful flyers decorated the Benefit Watch booth where Pat Klug stood ready and willing to discuss a variety of employee benefits and financial services. She was also promoting The Girlfriend’s Guide to Financial Excellence parties, hosted events in private homes that help empower women and give them the tools they need to understand everything from savings accounts to a 401 K, and the six financial necessities every lady should know.
“They’re fantastic,” Klug said of the GSPCC Trade Fairs, “Because I love to interact with the community.”
And there was plenty of community to interact with at this year’s event. Companies ranged from restaurants to banks, cleaners to childcare, and everyone was intent on shaking hands and saying hello.
The list of participants included Fieldstone Animal Inn, Advanced Realty, Jeno’s Steaks and BB&T. Offering tempting treats in the aisles were Annette’s Cakery, Edible Arrangements and Freedom Bakery. There was no shortage of information, plenty of flyers and business cards, and an abundance of smiling faces.
Klug describes the GSPCC as a “small but mighty chamber.” Looking around the hall, it was very clear Klug was correct - the GSPCC is a mighty chamber indeed.
Upcoming Greater Severna Park Cham