Chamber of Commerce expo slows from last year
Staff Reports

Twenty businesses signed up, and 17 actually attended the second annual Bullard Business Expo, sponsored by the Bullard Chamber of Commerce.

While attendance and participation were down from the first event, coordinator B. J. Langford hopes to continue the event.

"Last year was our first year, so we weren't sure what to expect," said event coordinator B.J. Langford. "I believe if we continue to pour effort into it, it will continue to keep pace with Bullard's growth."

As committee chair B.J. Langford made most of the preparations for the second annual event.

"We're going to have to do something different next year," Langford said. He said the location was not visible enough, and perhaps another angle should be pursued, although he's not yet sure which direction to go.

Langford said earlier the event needed at least 29 booths, missing the mark by nine.

And while new businesses were represented this year, some of last year's were absent, including Priority Image.

Brook Hill had a booth, as did other newcomers to the expo, but traffic was slow - with mainly networking among those present.

Taylor Hand's twin sons, Caleb and Hunter, one above, one far left, help out their dad at Bullard's annual business expo on Saturday. Hand owns Taylor's Quality Lawn and Landscaping.

"We got to meet new people, " said Creative Graphics owner John Thomason, who participated for the first time this year. "We've not met as many in Bullard as we'd like, so we thought this would be good exposure."

Earlier reports indicated the Bullard Volunteer Fire Department would be on hand, but a scheduling conflict forced them to back out.

Langford said a more concentrated marketing strategy was part of the plan to increase awareness and pique interest, but he's decided to think of a different way if the expo is to keep going.

To join the Bullard Chamber of Commerce, call 903-894-4238.