Between 1,500 and 1,800 people

local residents attended last week's Business Expo 2003, estimates Brenda

Washington, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce Business Expo vice-chairperson.

Held at the Old Belk on Bullsboro in Newnan, the expo hosted101 businesses

and their presentation

tables.

For the first time this year

a $2 admission fee was charged. Other than the free pens and identity

items offered by businesses, restaurants like the Texas Roadhouse offered

free samples of ribs and rolls. Starbucks served coffee, cider and nibbles

of desserts. The Atlanta Bread Company and

Blimpie offered sandwiches.

Besides delicious food, local

businesses benefited. Shares Dr. David Towery of Towery Chiropractic and

Hi-Energy Weight Control Center, "We got more visibility and public

exposure, as well as one-on-one contact with the fine residents that make

up our community."

From financial services to

construction, A Flower Bouquet to Newnan Hospital, nearly every sector

of the business community was represented.

Washington believes that the

work on the Business Expo is a service to the community. It's purpose,

she says, is "to let other businesses and citizens know what the

individual businesses do. It is also a great networking opportunity."