Cadence Mix-Dean is a high school student with a busy schedule.

Dual enrolled at Niles New Tech and Lake Michigan College, the high schooler said she needs a job that works with her course load. To connect with potential employers, Mix-Dean took her job search to the 2017 Exposing Greatness business and nonprofit expo, which took place from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Summit Church, 1700 W. River Road, Niles.

Mix-Dean was among hundreds to visit the Expo, which offered networking opportunities for more than 50 business and job opportunities from almost a dozen businesses searching for employees.

The career fair was the eighth annual expo’s newest feature. The event was sponsored by Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, the Buchanan Chamber of Commerce, Lake Michigan College, On Base Productions, Leader Publications, DPM Events and Summit Church.

Randy Hendrixson, the executive director of the Buchanan Chamber of Commerce, said it was apparent that businesses in the area needed help connecting with employers.

Depending on feedback from this year’s event, Hendrixson said the career fair could become an addition to the event for  years to follow.

Representatives from the Notre Dame Dining Services were among those searching for people just like Dean.

Staffing manager Susan Murphy described the campus’ need for volunteers as “dire,” especially during the football season. Participating in the Expo seemed like a step in addressing the issue.

“This is very exciting. Even if we don’t walk away with candidates, at least we made some connections with some potential employees,” Murphy said.

While Murphy said the Notre Dame campus has always had job opportunities, the growing campus, combined with competition from other businesses also looking for workers, has made finding employees particularly challenging this year.

“This is branching out in a different area,” Murphy said. “[Though] we do have a number of employees from Niles and Buchanan.”

Connecting with potential employers was only one of the benefits the expo sought to provide  attendees.

In addition, businesses that participated also got the chance to network with one another and their customers.

Julie Capron was among business owners Thursday hoping to spread the word about two local businesses. Capron works for Cressy & Everett Real Estate and is the owner of Julie’s Wear and Share, a resale clothing store, in Buchanan. She was a first-time participant in the expo.

Her booth at the expo was divided into the two businesses. The table was covered in PayDay candy bars, signifying customers’ opportunity to get paid when dropping off their clothing at Julie’s Wear and Share. The store was formerly a consignment store, but Capron said she changed it to a resale model and wanted to get the word out.

“I think the [expo] brings all the businesses in Niles and Buchanan together so people can see what’s out there, because not everybody knows who we are,” Capron said.

Next door to Capron’s booth, Mary Cooper, the president of the Niles Service League, was also hoping to spread the word and find more volunteers to help with the organization.

At her booth, Cooper and a volunteer, Annie Chapman, of Niles, sold custom-made Niles Service League ornaments and had applications on hand, ready to be completed by interested volunteers.

“My goal is just awareness and to find volunteers,” Cooper said.

For Dean, while finding a job was one her mind, so too was connecting with local businesses. Dean attended the expo with her mom, Andrea Winfield, and 7-year-old brother, Dawson Mix-Dean.

“I love business expos,” Winfield said. “It is a great way to find out about businesses in the area and see what’s out there.”

A portion of the proceeds from the expo helped  raise money for local student scholarship for Buchanan, Brandywine and Niles students. Three students will be awarded $1,000 scholarships this year with the funds.

Participating businesses also had the chance to compete for the “Best Booth” title, which recognized businesses with booths that demonstrated originality and enthusiasm.