Businesses that serve Patrick County will be in the spotlight on Thursday, April 12, as part of the Patrick County Showcase.

The expo will be held in the Memorial Building at Rotary Field on Woodland Drive in Stuart from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again that afternoon /evening from 4 to 7 p.m.

The job fair will be held simultaneously, with participating businesses seeking seasonal or permanent part and full-time employees.

Admission to the event costs $2 per person, or two cans of food. The canned goods will be donated to the Patrick County Food Bank and benefit local families in need.

“This showcase is a great opportunity for everyone in Patrick and surrounding areas to come see what services are available here,” said Rebecca Adcock, executive director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber, along with the Patrick County offices of Economic Development and Tourism are collaborating on the business expo that also includes a job fair. The event is designed to spotlight local businesses and highlight the services they provide to the community and surrounding area.

Several local colleges also will participate, with representatives on hand to provide information about the traditional or certificate programs available.

Patrick County High School seniors may enter the event at 10:15 a.m., and will be among the first to learn more about the community, businesses serving the area and have the opportunity to meet with potential employers.

“I also think that is timed well, with seniors arriving early,” she said.

Business expo events have not been held locally for several years, according to Adcock, who said the last she found was in 1999 or 2000.

Adcock said she has been pleasantly surprised at the positive response to the event.

“We kind of floated the idea to see if was something to we should spend time and energy on, and the response has been ‘Yes, count me in,’” she said.

Things in Patrick County “are picking up and people just want to be there,” Adcock said. “We’ve already sold about half the booths” and about 10 companies are already participating in the job fair, with a wide range of jobs available.

It’s not too late for businesses/organizations to beat the April 3 deadline and register to participate in the countywide event.

Although late registrations will be accepted if space permits, Adcock said early registration will ensure there are enough booths for participants and for participants’ names to be included on marketing materials.

Booth rental fees are $50 for chamber members and $100 for non-members.

Additional booths may be rented for $40.

“There is something for everyone at this showcase,” Adcock said. “If you are new to the area, come to the showcase and find out about all the great things to do and places to visit. And, if you are looking for employment, it’s a great opportunity to meet with many potential employers at one place.”

For more information or to register for a booth, call the chamber at (276) 694-6012.