The River Region Chamber of Commerce will host its first small business expo with co-host, St. Charles Economic Development Department, Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m.

The event will be held at the Edward Dufrense Community Center in Luling.

Attendees are encouraged to pre-register on the Chamber’s website at business.riverregionchamber.org/events/details/2014-business-expo-4619. The entrance fee is $5 cash at the door per person.

The expo will begin at 2 p.m., when attendees can browse over 25 small business tables. Local businesses will be showcasing their products and services.

Free 15-minute Business Seminars hosted by LSBDC will also be offered during the expo. At 5 p.m., Conversations and Cocktails will begin.

Local business member and community members will enjoy hors d’oeuvres served by Messina’s Catering and Events, and there will be a cash bar available.

The vision for this event was inspired by the Chamber’s goal to “Grow, Strengthen and Unify businesses in the River Region.”

Executive Director Chassity McComack said, “Being largely represented by small business I believe it is our obligation and our purpose to contribute an event such as a small business expo to give small businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and their services.”

McComack expressed the Chamber’s desire to always point back to the businesses that make the Chamber what it is.

Rather than seeking to be in the spotlight, the Chamber desires to highlight the business community in the River Region by being a platform and a voice for members.

McComack stated, “It is an opportunity for the community as a whole, fellow businesses and chamber members to come see not just what the Chamber is about, but what small businesses locally have to offer.”

Rhonda Louque, Chamber Chair of Business Development committee and board member, played an integral role in the planning and preparation of the event.

She said, “This event is partly about showcasing the smaller businesses and allowing the public to come and see what we are about. We are hoping to get other people involved and let them see what the Chamber can provide for them.”

Louque believes that the expo will be a great tool for businesses in the River Region. She said, “It is a great networking opportunity, and it gives lots of exposure to vendors in the Chamber as well as others.”

Catherine Monica is the River Region Chamber of Commerce communications assistant.