Editor's Note: In the second of a three-part series, the Times-Union profiles three businesses that have participated in the Taste & Trade Expo.
Embarq, Kosciusko Community Hospital and Smokin' Charlies' Catering have all participated in the expo in its two years of existence.The Taste and Trade Expo will enter its third year Oct. 16 and 17 at the Orthopaedic Capital Center on the campus of Grace College.
The cost is $3 per person, while children under 12 get in free. There will be door prizes as well as a grand prize of a trip to three different locales. The grand prize was donated by Embarq.
Embarq will be using this year's expo to roll out its new company name, CenturyLink. Embarq and the company CenturyTel recently merged.
"It's been a really good opportunity for us," said Jack Moore, Embarq, of the expo. "Number one it allows us to display our products and services to customers as well as other businesses."
Smokin' Charlies Catering, owned by Loretta Rote, Warsaw, has won the "best food" award at the expo the past two years.
Rote said because of the expo she was able to book Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinners and graduation parties.
"It's tremendous," said Rote. "I would encourage any business to do it. It's a great thing to boost your business in all aspects."
Kosciusko Community Hospital has participated in the Taste & Trade Expo for each year.
"This chamber-organized event offers an environment for KCH to hear from people we serve," said Joy Lohse, marketing and public relations director for KCH. "We want patients to be very satisfied with their care at KCH and we listen to our community during the event. Additionally, we promote the importance of annual mammograms for women age 40 and over as October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month."
