Annual Buy in the Berkshires Expo Draws Hundreds
The expo featured raffles and other giveaways from local businesses and organizations. |
LENOX, Mass. — After four years of holding the Buy in the Berkshire Expo in Hancock, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce switched it up this year so South County businesses and residents could participate easier.
On Wednesday, hundreds flocked to Cranwell Resort to see what some 30 local companies had to offer.
The goal, according to Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Supranowicz, is to encourage residents to shift their spending by just 3 percent to local businesses.
"We know people will still spend money elsewhere but if we shift 3 percent back to Berkshire County, we keep 350 jobs here," he said.
The businesses spanning an array of industries filled the Meadow View building, and overflowed outside, while hundreds of people made their way in and out.
The expo also was moved to earlier in the spring, which allowed four food vendors to attend and provide samples. Previously the event was held in late June, when the restaurants were already in the middle of their busy season.
"Not only do we have great places to shop but we also have great places to eat. We wanted to showcase them as well," Supranowicz said.
The move toward South County made it possible for new vendors to participate. In the previous four years, the event saw between 30 and 50 vendors with many of the them returning each year.
Chamber Director of Programs and Events Christine Hoyt said about half of the vendors this year had participated before while the other half had not been able.
"When we had it at Jiminy Peak, a lot of people from South County said it was too far. So sometimes you have to move your event around to bring in a different crowd," Supranowicz said. "It's nice to shake things up a bit. Our focus is to showcase all the Berkshires has to offer."
Supranowicz said the chamber is always looking for ways to improve the event. Hoyt said she will survey the vendors for feedback to see if the changes worked well for them.
But, on Wednesday, chamber officials were happy with the turnout as well as the weather, which was sunny and warm while the event was happening.
