The Patrick County Showcase Business Expo and Job Fair was a success, and plans already are in the works for a similar event next year and in the future.

“I think the showcase went really well,” Rebecca Adcock, executive director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, said. “Obviously, businesses were happy to be a part of the event.”

More than 55 exhibitors participated in the event. About a tenth of participating businesses/organizations were from adjoining localities, Adcock said.

“We sold out of exhibitor spaces and were happy that we even had to make room for a couple more booths” at the last minute, Adcock said.

She estimated the event that included a job fair attracted 200 people, and while “we wish we’d have had more” visitors, Adcock said it takes time to build attendance.

“We do plan to hold another showcase next year, but I don’t think we can set a date” at this point, she said, and explained organizers want to include adjacent school divisions, in hopes seniors set to graduate may find jobs as part of the job fair.

Adcock said the timing of the event will be flexible to ensure schools can participate.

The chamber collaborated with the Patrick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Patrick County Office on Tourism to host the showcase.