The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce actively promotes choosing local, member businesses. A recent study conducted in Portland, Maine, by the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), concluded that every $100 spent locally contributes an additional $58 to the local economy. That study determined that if people in that community shifted 10% more of their spending to locally-owned businesses, it would generate $127 million in additional local economic activity and also result in more, new jobs.  “The positive encounters you enjoy at neighborhood-scale businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness,” said chamber vice president of Economic Development, Doug Berry. “Local ownership of business means residents with roots in our community are more involved in key development decisions that shape our lives and local environment.” 

Research shows a strong correlation between the percentage of small locally-owned firms and various indicators of personal and community health and vitality. “Our chamber members provide such a wide variety of products and professional services,” said Chamber membership director, Aaron Weatherford. “We proudly promote our members and provide opportunities where they can be best showcased, such as the PrimeTime Business Expo, coming up this Saturday at Bradley Square Mall.” 

Now in its sixth year, the PrimeTime Business EXPO will be held on Saturday, and will provide local businesses an opportunity to let the community see a number of the products and services available in Cleveland and Bradley County. This year’s event, held at Bradley Square Mall, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees this year will receive an ‘EXPO Passport’ with a list of the vendors. “Once they visit with a vendor, the passport will be stamped,” said Mr. Weatherford. “Once they have visited a certain number of vendors and had their passport stamped it can then be submitted for prizes.”  Some of the larger prize items this year include: A Wilderness at the Smokies Resort trip provided by Outland Travel, Therapedic Bed in A Box provided by MurMaid Mattress and a KithenAid Architect Series 9 speed hand mixer from Whirlpool Corp.

To learn more about the PrimeTime Business EXPO or how to become a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, contact Aaron Weatherford, membership director at 423 472-6587 or visit www.clevelandchamber.com.