BUCHANAN — Bucktown got down to business Thursday as the area’s one and only business expo — EXPOsing Greatness — rolled into Buchanan High School.

For three hours, the school’s auxiliary gymnasium provided a space in which businesses big and small — from fitness clubs to insurance companies to restaurants — could find new clients, prospective clients and other services.

First time vendor Joyce Bashara, owner of Niles coffee shop Brew Ha Ha, said she was drawn to the event because one of its functions is to raise money for scholarships for seniors in the Niles, Brandywine and Buchanan school districts.

“The fact that they are giving back to the community through the students is a great thing,” she said. “Also, as we grow it is fun to get out and be part of the business community.”

Barbara Craig, dean of event sponsor Lake Michigan College at Bertrand Crossing, praised Buchanan for providing a great location for the event. Booth spaces were sold out to businesses and organizations from the greater Niles and Buchanan area well in advance.

“We appreciate everything Buchanan schools has done being welcoming hosts,” Craig said.

Returning vendor Kimberly Dipert, owner of Advanced Chiropractic, said the expo is a good opportunity for her to network with other business owners, but added that it could be improved by attracting more people from the community.

“I would like to see more of the public involved,” she said.

Now in its fifth year, the expo is a collaboration between the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Michigan College at Bertrand Crossing, Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, Leader Publications and Buchanan Community Schools.

It was held for three years at LMC’s Bertrand Crossing Campus before moving to Niles High School last year.