By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Exposure, as it happens, is the goal of the first business expo to bring together two communities representing the southern portion of Berrien County.

The EXPOsing Greatness business expo is a venture shared by the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance.

The event is being held Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossings campus.

Duane Nelson, Chief Operating Officer of United Federal Credit Union, the event’s chief sponsor, said bringing a focus to those businesses that call the Niles-Buchanan area home is beneficial not just for those companies but individuals as well.

“At times for the Niles and Buchanan market, we have a tendency to get stuck in the middle between north county and South Bend,” Nelson said.

The expo will “showcase businesses and opportunities that were thought only available in north county and Indiana,” he said.

According to the Southwest Michigan Economic Alliance, “more than 40 area companies and organizations” have signed on to take part in the event, including Orchard Hills Country Club, Beauty and Body Wellness Day Spa, Wolverine Electric and Berrien Metal Products.

“I think the revitalization of downtown Buchanan has come a long way in the last year and a half, in particular,” Nelson said.

“There are businesses that are there that quite frankly, they just go about doing their business and people don’t even know what they do,” he added.

Those businesses, from manufacturers to specialty services will be on display in one place, through the expo, giving the community an opportunity to learn more about the businesses in their own neighborhood.

“There’s some good things happening,” Nelson said. “It’s not just a business to business (event). I think showcasing what we do in south county would be pretty cool as well.”
Hopes are the event becomes an annual one.

For more information visit www.exposinggreatness.com or call 683-1833.