WMU Business Connect organization slates communitywide expo

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will host a communitywide business networking and learning event from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, on campus in the Fetzer Center.

The WMU Connect Business Expo will bring together established businesspersons, budding entrepreneurs, students and others from across the Greater Kalamazoo area. It is being hosted by the Fetzer Center to give attendees a chance to learn about a wide range of area businesses as well as meet other business professionals.

The event is free and open to the public, but those planning to attend are asked to RSVP online at wmich.edu/fetzer/2018-wmu-connect-expo.

About the expo

This is the second year that the Fetzer Center is hosting the expo as part of its WMU Connect series of gatherings for business professionals.

"The expo is intended to promote collaboration in a beneficial learning environment and provide assistance to those who want to take their businesses to the next level," says Mary Zoeller, Fetzer Center sales manager and one of the event's lead organizers.

In addition to drawings and giveaways, Zoeller says this year's event will feature:

• A small-business resource group of local business leaders who will assist attendees in starting or expanding their businesses.
• Pop-up speakers from Rose Street Advisors, Southwest Michigan First and the WMU Office of Development and Alumni Relations who will address various topics.
• Fifty booths showcasing the products and services of area businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Among the entities having booths this year will be Autism Treatment and Research, ROI; Boehm; Buy Local; Chemical Bank; Costco; Edward Jones; Fabri-Kal; Girls on the Run; Habitat for Humanity; Kalamazoo Promise; KSS Enterprises; Look Sharp Marketing; Mlive; Synergy Center; and TMP Co.

Additional information

The address to use if locating the Fetzer Center by GPS or online driving directions is: 2251 Business Court Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49008. Free parking will be available by Fetzer in Parking Lot 72F. For directions to WMU or a campus map, visit wmich.edu/maps/print.

For more details about the WMU Connect Business Expo and WMU Connect series of events, visit wmich.edu/fetzer/wmu-connect-events. Direct questions to the Fetzer Center's Mary Zoeller at mary.zoeller@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3232.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.