Hundreds gather for Business Expo at Big Bend

MOSES LAKE - Hundreds of people perused business booths at the start of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo.

More than 500 were expected to attend the event overall, where more than 46 businesses were represented, explained Debbie Doran-Martinez, the chamber's executive director, on Wednesday.

There was an increase of six businesses from last year.

This year's participants included communication businesses, health care organizations and non-profits.

"You name it, we've got it in there," she commented.

Another portion of the event was a community treasure hunt of Moses Lake businesses.

"We just need to highlight them, shop and patronize their businesses as much as we can," she commented.

 People were allowed to take part in a treasure hunt at the event too, where gift baskets, gift certificates, and sweatshirts with logos were donated by chamber members.

They were having a good time with the theme, she said.

Jim Lee, of Signs Now, won the Motorola Zoom tablet in a drawing for treasure hunt participants.

Susan Mann, of Moses Lake, won a TV.

Inland Cellular donated the tablet and television.

Brayden Hord, of Inland Cellular, said the company was doing a lot of business, especially since it was taking part in community events.

Most people don't have the conception the company is a national carrier, he said. The government provides the company breaks to offer service in rural areas.

Matt Manweller, a 13th District state representative candidate, had a booth at the event. He works as a political science professor at Central Washington University.

"I thought it was a great way to meet the small business community," he said. "It's been fun."

He said he had visited the area every week for six weeks to meet with community members and discuss their concerns.