STRONGSVILLE – Business is alive and well in the city of Strongsville. Just ask the more than 100 vendors who had a presence at the Strongsville Community Business Expo at the Ehrnfelt Recreation and event Center on Nov. 10.

Maybe more to the point, the more than 1,000 attendees who gathered information, coupons and more at the annual commerce-enhancing event that continues to grow each and every year should be asked what they think.

In terms of bang for the buck, there is no place where vendors are able to realize a return on their investment quite like that of the Strongsville Community Business Expo.

“Where can you sign up for $100, have Strongsville Post advertising for a number of weeks, turn on WTAM radio and hear about the Strongsville Business Expo?” said Strongsville Mayor Thomas Perciak.

Marketing of the event was expanded this year. In addition to The Post and WTAM, social media was a key component.

“We had over 56,000 (Facebook) views as of last look and a lot of shares that I think reached a whole different audience that may have been younger and technologically savvy,” said Brent Painter, economic development director. “It’s great to see younger people and families walking around here. In terms of businesses it’s the most robust response we’ve gotten yet. When you have an event like this and they’re so eager to be involved in the community that’s a good sign that what we are doing is working.”

Businesses in Strongsville and from outside the city found great value in being part of the Expo.

“We love meeting the community and being here so people recognize us,” said Kerry Ott with Centerline Carstar Collision in Strongsville. “They want to know where we are and what we do.”

There was also great value in the event from attendees exploring what the business community has to offer.

“I found it very helpful because I was able to make a couple of appointments. I’m going to a free kickboxing class and I made an appointment to look at my sleep apnea,” Jim Kaminski said. “It’s important to know what’s in the community and how to utilize those resources.”

“I come every year to see what businesses are in town and which ones I can use as a consumer,” added Jeff Branic. “I truly believe in doing business locally.”

WTAM radio morning host Bill Wills served as volunteer master of ceremonies for the Expo.

“Tom Perciak. Tom’s been a longtime friend. This is an important night to showcase this city. This city is so diverse when it comes to business because of Tom Perciak,” Wills said. “He knows how to get things done. He’s well respected. I’ve spoken with Donald Trump and Tom Perciak in the same week. It’s a good week.”

There were more restaurants at the Expo than in years past. The development of Westwood Commons on Pearl Road just north of Royalton Road has added a number of eateries in recent weeks.

“We had plans and studies, but did not envision how we could tie it all together,” Perciak said of the Pearl Road corridor from Royalton Road to the Strongsville Historical Society to the north. “Now it all came together, the old, the new, the Strongsville Historical Society, the walking paths and everything else. It really extends the Commons all the way down to our rec center.”

The Business Expo was sponsored by the city, Strongsville Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Strongsville, the originator of the event one decade ago at Camp Cheerful.

“When we started this event Rotary Club members thought it would be a good idea for Rotarians to understand what other Rotarians did in their day-to-day business,” said Rotarian Rob Kammer. “We did it for two or three years and everybody knew what everybody did. Interest started to wane and it eventually became a joint event.”

Organizers were getting calls from businesses up until the day before the event to see if there was any available space. There wasn’t.

“We love social media, but sometimes it can be a negative. We had so many calls up until a day ago,” said Amy Ferree, Chamber of Commerce executive director.

More than 90 students from the Strongsville High School DECA marketing program assisted in a number of ways.

“Some came in around 2 o’clock to help with setup and the rest split their time talking with vendors and working tables,” said Jessica Frenchik, marketing teacher and DECA advisor. “Hopefully, students will own businesses in the area and come to an event like this.”