Business View Magazine | April 2020

157 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 BUY INDI ANA EXPO with those individuals from Crane,” Myers explains. “It could help further your business, both on the supply and demand side.” While the Expo is just a one-day event, it draws in big crowds, and the hosting Chamber always relies heavily on its Board members, Chamber ambassadors, and community volunteers to make the event a success. Meyers says it’s also typical for vendors to arrive early, get a hotel at French Lick, and stay for a few days. “There’s a golf outing and a welcome reception the day before the Expo,” he notes. “Some like to stay Monday night. Some stay Sunday night because the golf outing is Monday morning. That’s an extra cost. Vendor set-up is on Monday from noon to 5PM. Then there’s the Radius Indiana Welcome Reception from 5:30-7PM. The following day, Tuesday, is the Buy Indiana Expo itself from 9AM-3PM.” The response they’ve had from the over 500 participating businesses they’ve been in contact with over the years has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s always a great turnout, no matter which Chamber hosts,” shares Myers. The Expo also welcomes several VIPs from the naval base—the Commander and other high- ranking officers—and elected officials from the contributing counties. “The thing to appreciate about the Expo is the scope of the opportunities that Crane has,” Myers avers. “There are so many ways to get involved with Crane, and they’re not all strictly to support the war fighter. Ever year, we’ve had Holiday World at the Expo. We’ve had hotels attend. We’ve had the force office. We’ve had different companies that you might not immediately think of when you think of supporting the U.S. Navy. But that’s because of the availability of contracts. It’s a broad range, big scope. Any company can do it.” “We’ve had companies from all over the country take part in this event,” Myers continues. “It was