Expo showcases northern businesses

BY JULIE BENAMATI
The Tribune-Democrat

NORTHERN CAMBRIA May 08, 2008 11:22 pm

— Local businesses showed their commitment to the economic welfare of the northern Cambria County region by showing themselves off at a business-to-business expo Thursday evening.
Members of Northern Cambria Area Business Alliance were pleased with the event’s turnout, which allowed vendors not only to showcase themselves to the public, but also to network with each other.
Thirty-six vendors participated in the event.
In the past, NCABA held a joint economic and job fair, but decided to split the events this year and turn the economic side into a networking opportunity for its 100 members.
Donna Zerbee, event co-chairwoman, said Thursday’s expo was similar to what is offered by the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce – an event that she said does not always benefit the northern part of the county.
“We decided to have businesses showcase themselves and bring it closer to home for our members,” Zerbee said.
“The whole idea was to get vendors to network with each other and make connections needed to do business locally.”
Barbara Kirby, who co-chaired the event with Zerbee, said she was pleased with the event’s turnout.
“Everyone that we have talked to so far is satisfied,” Kirby said. “They said they liked the time better than last year, as this was only in the evening, and not all day.”
Chuck Contres, a NCABA member and owner of Long-Contres Funeral Homes Inc., said he was encouraged by the new format.
“This is a chance for members to show off what they do and what they have to offer,” Contres said.
Stephen Kutchman, who lives in Richland Township but commutes to his position as director of respiratory therapy at Miners Medical Center in Hastings, said the event had a twofold purpose.
Because Kutchman treats many patients from out of the area for black lung – some from as far as West Virginia – he often is asked to recommend restaurants or other businesses.
“These patients are usually here for a long time, and they often ask where they can eat and where they can stay,” Kuchman explained. “Because I don’t live here, I’m not familiar with local places ... and I like to steer (patients) toward local ones.”
Zerbee and Kirby said they are looking forward to the job fair, which will be held at Penn Highlands Community College, Ebensburg, on June 12.
Zerbee said they are hope to attract more college students as well as more job-seekers from throughout the county.
“It just makes more sense to have it there,” Zerbee said.
Last year, NCABA businesses offered employment applications and some conducted on-the-spot interviews.
“Two people were hired on the spot,” Kirby said.