Video: Hundreds Flock to Kent Expo for the Buzz on Business

The gym was buzzing with area businesses on Saturday for the . Eighty-three businesses applied to be a part of the day, and chamber Director Lori Wemhoff said she even had to turn some vendors away.

"Eighty-three is a record number," Wemhoff said. "We had to turn some people away because we just couldn't fit any more booths in the gym to save our lives."

The expo started at 10 a.m. and by 11:30, Wemhoff said roughly 800 people had been through the doors. 

"We had a great turnout," she said. "The weather was bad, which helps. No one is working in their yards today. That's what I hoped for!"

Shannon and Adam Campbell, owners of Sugar-Luv, of Brimfield, were attending the expo for the first time, promoting their candies and other tasty confections.

The business started about seven months ago, and Shannon Campbell came to the expo to get more exposure because she's thinking of opening her own shop.

"We do homemade goodies, treats and confections," Shannon said. "I came here today to basically promote and grow our business. I do this out of my home today. We want to promote our Kent-area business."

Kristi Warner, owner of Gavin Scott Salon and Spa in Stow, also was at the expo for the first time.

"We've been in Stow for three years and we really wanted to start venturing out of the Stow market," Warner said. "The executive director of the chamber (Wemhoff) came to us and asked us to join the Kent chamber and we thought it would be a great new opportunity."

Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala said the expo is a win-win for the city.

"It's great," Fiala said. "It's exposure and it's a one-stop place to shop — a place where everyone can see what's going on."

Wemhoff agreed.

"Some people are home-based and they really appreciate the foot traffic," she said.

Other businesses at the expo included Andrea's Bakery, Avon, Bath Fitter, Battaglia's T&B Garden Center, Candi's Candies, DuBois Book Store, Miche Bags and more. 

For more information about the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, visit its website.