TRAFFIC SLOW AT SHOWCASE

JACKSON, Mo. -- Participants in Wednesday's first-ever Jackson Business Showcase say it's a good idea that will grow and would benefit from being held on the weekend.

Thirty-nine businesses, most of them based in Jackson, manned booths at the Jackson Jaycee Community Center during the day-long event sponsored by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Traffic from outside was light so the business people mostly ended up talking to each other.

Attendance was estimated at 100.

Banks, wireless phone companies and real estate offices predominated, but a window business, a chiropractor, newspapers and other firms participated as well. Late in the afternoon, Ross Furniture was the most popular booth in the house. Its four overstuffed chairs were all occupied.

Mike Seabaugh, owner of Bizzy Bee Janitor Supply, did a bit of business during the day.

"I don't think we have had quite as much traffic as we'd hoped," he said. "But I think it's a good event. ... It gives your business a little visibility."

Lori Friese, a Realtor with Century 21 Dutch Realty, said there was value to participating.

"It's nice to mingle with the other businesses," she said.

Christopher Hutson, a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch, echoed the networking theme.

"It could lead to new business," he said.

Beverly Craiglow, who has her own bookkeeping and tax service, came to promote her payroll service.

"It's a chance to get your name out in front of people," she said. "I'm talking to anyone who will talk to me."

Nancy Kohl, a sales representative with Corporate Express, was there even though the business is located in Cape Girardeau.

"We deliver next-day to Cape and Jackson businesses," she explained.

The business changed its name to Corporate Express a month ago, previously going by the name U.S. Office Products.

Since hers is a business-to-business enterprise, the showcase was a good opportunity to network and she expects it will grow.

"It can only get better," she said.

Ken Parrett, executive director of the chamber, said he was "happy but not satisfied," with the showcase.

The businesses presented themselves beautifully, but the event was not advertised as well as it should have been, he said. More advertising was needed.

"We have not had as many customers as we had hoped," he said.

Parrett said the chamber was unable to schedule a Saturday for the event this year but promised it will be held on a Saturday in 2002.