Nearly 90 businesses came together under one roof Thursday for the 2014 Business Expo in the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Southern Technologies, which offers computer consulting and repair services, has been in business for 10 years.

“We have been able to network with a lot of people and exchange services,” said Shawn Davis, with Southern Technologies. “We get into a position where we’re really busy, and we don’t get to see who else is out there in the business community. With the expo, we get to trade tips and ideas.”

As a new business owner, Melanie Daley said the expo allowed her to get her business, The Tutoring Center, some recognition. It offers private tutoring for students in grades K-12, with a focus on reading, writing and mathematics.

Faith Scott, director of member services at the Chamber Southwest Louisiana, said the expo was a “huge success,” with a big turnout from both vendors and attendees.

Scott said it’s important for the community to rally up their business owners and put on an expo. Businesses owners also attended workshops on understanding and building the workforce.

Donna Little, director at the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University, said the “networking opportunities are wonderful.”

“If someone has shaken your hand and has an idea of who you are, they are much more likely to do business with you or refer you to another customer,” Little said. “I’ve spoken to dozens of the small businesses here at the event.”

The center provides counseling for small-business owners, potential owners and those who want to expand their services.(Photo courtesy of Lakecharles.com)