Chamber Business Expo Will be Picture Perfect

Memories of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd annual “Open for Business” Expo will wind up in many visitors’ scrapbooks.

A free photo booth run by Crystal Entertainment Services is new to the event, which runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough, chamber Vice President Karen Chapman said Monday.

“He just wants to expose this to other businesses as an opportunity for them to have it and hire him,” she said.

Admission is free to the expo, which “started very much as a mini-show, and has grown into one of the most successful shows in this region,” Chapman said.

Last year’s expo drew 1,300 visitors, and organizers expect a larger crowd this year.

About 128 businesses will participate this year between the main ballroom and the hallway, Chapman said.

“We want to showcase that we’re the economic power of this region’s business community,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity for our members to display their products, their services and their technologies. It’s an opportunity for people to come in and see maybe what’s new out there.”

Eleven businesses, restaurants and caterers will provide samples, including Qdoba in Northborough, and Mayuri Indian Cuisine, Cheng Du and Not Your Average Joe’s in Westborough, Chapman said.

“It’s going to ne a nice real taste and flavor of this part of the region,” she said. “They’ll get to sample while they’re also visiting other booths.”

WCRN will offer two free Pawtucket Red Sox tickets to guests stopping by its booth, Chapman said.

Meanwhile, Knight’s Airport Limousine Service in Shrewsbury will offer free shuttle service to the event between 4400 Computer Drive,  and Arris, in back of the hotel, after the hotel lot fills up, she said.

Shrewsbury High School students will direct guests to those two lots, she said.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is the presenting sponsor for second straight year.

“It’s because of them that we can produce such a show at this volume,” Chapman said.

Swiftec IT is the premier sponsor.

Both companies have been “incredibly supportive,” Chapman said.