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Health & Fitness

Multicultural Business Expo Draws Scores of Exhibitors

Some 75 businesses from as far away as New York and Massachusetts assembled at Housatonic Community College recently for the 11th annual Business Expo and Multicultural Marketplace.

BRIDGEPORT – Some 75 businesses from as far away as New York and Massachusetts assembled at Housatonic Community College recently for the 11th annual Business Expo and Multicultural Marketplace.

“This is a great inspirational event,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, whose office was a prime sponsor of the event. “One of things we want to do is keep money in Bridgeport and the way to do it is through minority businesses like those represented here.”

Nodding to State Rep. Ezequiel Santiago (D-130th Dist.), Finch added, “The state legislature just approved a $2 million bond issue to help minority businesses.” Santiago noted that the bill, which will make loans available to such businesses, has passed both houses of the legislature and is now in the implementation phase.

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Throughout the day, vendors were stopping by each other’s booths to discuss each of their products and services. Yesenia Figueroa of Bridgeport, assistant manager with the City of Bridgeport’s Citi Stat Program, was seen holding an armful of ties at the All About Ties booth staffed by owner Ernest McMikle of Brooklyn, NY.  “These ties are classy,” she said, “And they come in different sizes.”

Waxing philosophical, McMikle said that the key to his business is to help the customers become aware of their own tastes by showing them a broad selection of ties. McMikle recalled one customer’s preference for Jerry Garcia ties from last year, and quickly produced them when he saw the person.

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The event received positive reviews from those who attended. “This event helped us get the word out about our services … and I’ve met some wonderful people,” Figueroa said.

“This is an excellent event,” McMickle agreed, “They should do this more than once a year.”

Clodomiro Falcon of Trumbull, head of  the Stratford-based Falcon Advertising and president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, described the event as “excellent” from both perspectives. “This is the right place at the right time,” he said. “I renewed contact with existing clients and met a lot of prospective clients.”

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also signed up one new member, he said, and connected with 10 new prospects.

Eduardo Meza of Norwalk, president of Earth Environmental Consultants, LLC, was also pleased with the event. “It offered good opportunities and good contacts,” he said. “ I met numerous prospective customers and uncovered an opportunity to teach some courses.”

Housatonic was a cosponsor of the event.

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