The Clearwater American Legion was buzzing with activity during the Clear Valley Business Connections (CVBC) Business Expo held Sunday May 7. 

Twenty one businesses participated in the annual event. Some people came to enjoy the delicious made-to-order breakfast before exploring the Expo in the back room. The expo has been held in conjunction with the Legion’s monthly Sunday breakfast, served by the Clearwater Legion Riders, since it started in 2017. 

There were some new businesses, as well as several that have been part of the CVBC for a long time. The CVBC is an organization that provides the businesses of Clearwater, Clear Lake and surrounding townships with a way to network & communicate with other businesses, local government and civic groups.  The business expo is a way for them to showcase their businesses, advertise job openings and connect with people in the community.  It is also serves as a way to encourage people to shop local and support these small businesses.

Many tables offered giveaways and games. People signed up for raffles. Some booths offered free samples or items to purchase. The food samples served by Chef Dan Lunning of Cutting Edge Catering and The Clearwater Travel Plaza were delicious and a crowd favorite as always. 

The businesses this year included: Clearwater RV Park/Campground, Cutting Edge Catering/Clearwater Travel Plaza, Clearwater Library, Riverside Nutrition, American Heritage Bank, Irrigation Management, Sunset Ridge Ranch, Minnesota Wearables, Patriot Newspaper, Clearwater Family Chiropractic, Tri County Alliance Church, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, T & J Construction, L’BRI skin care, Lake Central Bank, Oak Realty, Zylla-Rolf Art Studio, Wright County Economic Development Partnership, Johnson Materials, Root of Wellness and Clearwater Heritage Festival.

Lori Johnson, organizer of the event and owner of Root of Wellness natural health office, stated, “ It was a great to see all of the people who came to the Expo. It is nice to know that we live in a community that supports its local businesses.”