The Clearwater American Legion was humming with activity last Sunday, with the front half of the building filled with residents enjoying the Legion’s made-to-order omelet breakfast, and the back half of the building filled with residents learning what Clearwater and Clear Lake businesses have to offer them.

 

The occasion was the 3rd Annual Explore Clearwater/Clear Lake Business Expo, which has grown each year it’s been held. This year 30 businesses and organizations were on hand to promote themselves and any employment opportunities they were hiring for.

 

Along with fun freebies and information on their business, tables offered raffles and prizes people could sign up for, including a custom-made log bank filled with cash from American Heritage Bank and a birdhouse from Edina Realty.

 

Attendees were steady throughout the expo, and business owners expressed satisfaction with the event.

 

“It was pretty lucrative,” said Roger Maleska from Minnesota Wearables, who participated in the expo for the first time. “It was definitely worthwhile and I’ll be back next year.”

Mary McGowan from Premier Real Estate also participated for the first time.

 

“I enjoyed it,” she said. “It was a nice chance to visit with the people. The Legion’s breakfast was very helpful in bringing in a crowd.”

 

Shaun and Audrey Neuhring from Clearwater Tire and Auto have been part of the expo since its beginning.

 

“It’s grown a lot,” said Audrey. “It’s a fun time for all the businesses to gather together and let the community know what we have to offer them.”

 

CVBC Treasurer Eron Bordson from Clearwater Family Chiropractic expressed thanks to the Legion for hosting the event, and said having the expo on the same day as the Legion’s breakfast is beneficial to both organizations.

 

“I’m very pleased with the day,” said CVBC President Lori Johnson from Johnson Materials. “We’ve grown every year. It’s all about learning what’s here so you can shop local and keep the money and jobs in town.”

 

The business expo was begun three years ago by members of Clear Valley Business Connections (CVBC) to promote shopping local. The organization began in 1987 and includes businesses from the cities of Clearwater and Clear Lake, and Clearwater, Clear Lake and Lynden Twps. The mission of the organization is to promote area businesses and provide an environment for them to communicate and network.

 

Businesses interested in more information or joining the CVBC can contact Johnson at loriadj@frontiernet.net or Jenny Massmann at JennyM@logbank.com.