WINNSBORO BUSINESS EXPO -- 2007
by
Maryann Miller

 

They just keep getting better and better. This was the ninth annual business expo, which is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Winnsboro and supported by many of the businesses and civic organizations in the area. Over 800 people came through the City Auditorium from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and visited the exhibitors, enjoyed a free lunch, and met new and old friends. Courtney McCown, daughter of Chamber Administrator Sandy Thomas, was hanging out with her friend Jacob Reid. Courtney said lots of people were stopping to talk to them, but maybe that was because they had that cute little baby, Harley Smith, with them.

Sandy Thomas, pictured here with Shane Shepherd, Winnsboro's Economic Development coordinator, said that there were over 58 exhibitors. "The last couple of days of signup's, I stopped counting," she said. "When someone else called wanting space, I just rearranged some areas to get them in."

Every year there are a few new exhibitors, and this year was no exception. A trio of ladies just

launched Cuddlebug out of Ben Wheeler, Texas. The ladies, (L-R) Debbie Frausto, Winnie Johnson, and Linda Berry sew baby items, small quilts, blankets and other accessories. They all live on the family farm, and yes they are family. Winnie is the mother of Linda and Debbie. "We've been sewing together for years," Winnie said. "And we'd give items for presents. Then people started asking us to make things for them to give as presents. Just recently, we decided to launch the business and we came here to meet people and let them know about the business."

Creations by Aimee was also new to the expo. Aimee Smith makes beautiful wooden crosses, and she too, started by making gifts for friends and family. "I started last Christmas," she said. "And it just took off. People started calling me to ask if I would make one for them, and my husband and I decided to start the business."

Aimee's exhibit won second place for best display, and she was thrilled about that. (L-R) Cindy Cole, McKenzee Smith, and Aimee Smith.

Mark Wallis of Concrete Design Solutions won second place for best display. Mark is the authorized dealer for Concrete Technology Incorporated in East Texas. CTi has long been noted for outside work such as driveways, patios, and pool decks, but they now offer custom flooring, walls and countertops at affordable prices. Mark is based right here in Winnsboro and is ready to give anyone who is interested a free estimate.

Not only is 911 Handyman new to the expo, they are brand new in business. Bill Emillio, pictured here with his partner Treasa Nelson, just launched the business last month. In coming up with the company name, Bill connected to his experience as a firefighter and EMT. "We do offer emergency home care and maintenance," he said. "So the name is appropriate."

They also offer common services that includes painting, sewer cleaning, and carpet cleaning. For more information visit them on the Web at 911 Handyman

 

First place for display was won by Franklin Bank. Their display featured a photograph of the original historic building, along with pictures of the building as it looks now. Paul Lester, Marketing President of the bank explained that they had to paint the building the new color because trying to restore and preserve the old brick was cost prohibitive. "We would have loved to keep the original look," he said. "But it was just out of reach."

Paul, pictured here (R-L)with Marilyn Likes and Bonnie Moore has been with the bank for 23 years. Marilyn, who is the Branch Manager, has been there for 17 years, and Bonnie is the new girl on the block with 8 years on staff. She is currently in charge of new accounts.

Representing the Photo Hut at Scott's Pharmacy in Winnsboro was Charlie Conner. They have been offering photo services for close to two years now and more recently started including professional photography services. "We have two photographers," Charlie said. "Myself and Kay Ivy. We do weddings, pageants, portraits, sports team pictures."

Charlie said they did some little league pictures earlier this summer, and he really enjoyed the children.

Another brand new store in Winnsboro is Seein' Stars, a movie rental company owned by Susan Treague and her daughters, Tamara Stracener and Tiffany Watson. They just opened in July at 513 S. Main, and specialize in classic movies, although they carry current and new releases as well. "We will also special order any DVD to rent or buy," Susan said. "And we will find memorabilia for collectors."

Susan, pictured here with her son, Thomas Ayars Jr., pointed out that they carry posters and stand ups for many movies and will look for anything a customer might want.

In addition to the new folks, there were a number of long-time exhibitors such as Your Logo Here, Poultry Plus & Winnsboro Hardware, 2B Flowers and Gifts, Trails Country Centre For The Arts, and Jimmy Davis Floors.

Pictured below are (L-R) Nick, Madison, Mia and Lois Tallant. Kasi & Kim Geraci, Becky Pickett and Cindy Fisher, from TCCA.

 

Sandy Thomas said that she really appreciated all the cooperation from local business as well as the enthusiasm from the exhibitors, but there are a number of people she wanted to mention by name. "Ed Russell, absolutely I don't know what I would have done without him.," she said.

She also mentioned Joe Wayne Reynolds, who was chairperson of the event, Gayle Gearner, Debbie Boles, Lee Ann Sparks, Larry Wright, Jerrie Sutphin. "The list could just go on and on," Sandy said. "But those folks really dug in there and went to town for me. I was in a panic Friday morning trying to get things done and in walks Ed and Debbie and Lee Ann asking what can they do to help."

The expo was sponsored by SWEPCO, 1st National Bank, Franklin Bank, City National Bank, Wood County Industrial Commission, Winnsboro Main Street Program, KMOO 99.9 FM, KWNS 107.4 FM, Suddenlink Communications, Poultry Plus & Winnsboro Hardware, Peoples Telephone, Brookshires, and the Winnsboro Economic Commission.   Other businesses also offered their support by way of discounts and prizes during the expo.