Parking spots around the Clearwater American Legion were tough to find last Sunday morning, as community members came pouring through the doors for the 4th annual Explore Clearwater/Clear Lake Business Expo and Legion made-to-order breakfast.

This year 22 businesses were on hand to promote themselves. Attendance was steady throughout the expo, often with larger crowds at one time than had been seen in the past.

Along with fun freebies and information on their business, most tables offered prizes people could sign up for, from gift certificates to specialty baskets filled with goods. Many of the businesses also brought along merchandise for people to purchase or try out.

People were happy to get out and catch up with their friends and neighbors as well, as there was often as many groups of people chatting with each other as there were groups talking to the businesses.

A number of the participating businesses were new to the expo this year, helping to showcase an even wider variety of what the area has to offer. From beauty products to health and wellness and financial services to food services, there was something for everyone.

T.O. Plastics was one of the first timers.

“I saw the sign advertising the expo and thought, ‘What a great way to be part of the community,’” said Dyann Turner, who was there representing the company.

Many of the businesses were also advertising employment opportunities, which worked out well for the attendees who came to the expo specifically looking for a job.

“I came looking for work,” said Barb Malikowski of Clear Lake. “As soon as I saw the sign advertising the expo, I knew my job was on that sign.”

Malikowski visited every table at the event, talking with representatives from each business and collecting a stack of employment applications.

“This is phenomenal,” she said. “Thank you, thank you for putting this on. I got a lot of information for myself as well as others.”

CVBC members and business owners also expressed satisfaction with the event.

“It’s so good to see new businesses here,” said CVBC Secretary Jenny Massmann from American Heritage Bank.

The event has always been held in conjunction with the Clearwater Legion’s Sunday breakfast, bringing in crowds for both events. The delicious breakfast, served by the Legion and Legion Riders, was enjoyed by many, with numbers up higher than they had been in quite some time.

This year’s expo businesses included Mary Kay, Patriot Newspaper, Johnson Materials, Root of Wellness, Clearwater Tax & Accounting, Clearwater Library, Tri-County Alliance Church, Sunset Ridge Ranch, T.O. Plastics, Premier Realty, American Heritage Bank, Lake Central Bank, Clearwater Travel Plaza/Cutting Edge Catering, T&R Meats, Royal Renovations, Crandall Help Desk, Minnesota Wearables, St. Cloud Financial, Thousand Hills Beef, Chalk Couture, Torch Sauce, Clearwater/St. Cloud RV Park, and Irrigation Management. 

“Thank you to all who participated in, or visited, the return of the CVBC Business Expo,” said organizer Lori Johnson from Root of Wellness. “It was great to see everyone out and about again. We hope people see what an asset small businesses are to their community and continue to do business with them versus spending all their time and money online.”

The business expo was begun five years ago by members of Clear Valley Business Connections (CVBC) to promote shopping local and has been an annual event with the exception of 2020. 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.