Planning an expo isn’t a simple task.
There’s a whole list of things to do, like creating and implementing a theme, developing advertisements and a marketing plan, recruiting vendors to participate and laying out the floor plan.
And at this year’s Community Business Expo, sponsored by the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, all the work’s been done by five hard-working ladies.
‘We basically do anything that the chamber needs us to do,? said Megan Szydlowski of the group’s wide array of duties. She and Natalie Fiorani, Lindsay Butterfield, Corinn Schodowski and Cali Bowen have taken on the task.
But did you know they’re high school students?
‘People wouldn’t ever think high-schoolers did this,? said Fiorani.
Butterfield added, ‘We’re really proud of everything we’ve accomplished. We’ve even impressed ourselves.?
The girls said planning the expo, which will have a Monopoly board game theme, was totally self-driven. The event will include a scavenger hunt and vendors for visitors of all ages.
‘We wanted to make it a personal experience,? noted Butterworth, who said the chamber of commerce’s overriding focus for shopping local will continue through the expo.
‘We want people to know Lake Orion has everything you need. You don’t have to go far to get it,? she said.
Last year’s expo hosted nearly 100 vendors and Rosemary Rangi, Chamber of Commerce president, says they’re expecting the same amount this year.
Rangi said working with high school students is something the chamber has done for many years when planning the expo, and notes this year’s team of students is one of the best.
‘I worked on the expo committee for several years and I think that these young ladies are the most enthusiastic and talented group of individuals that I’ve seen,? she said. ‘They’ve just been so good to work with and very professional.?
Rangi added, ‘We think working with the high school is a great way to connect with community, and utilize the talents of students there and give them a real life experience.?
This year’s expo will be May 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the high school’s field house. Admission is free of charge. During the event, some vendors will have merchandise for sale ? something that’s not been done in the past, said Rangi.