By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – More than 60 regional and area business and community leaders participated in the 2014 Annual Regional Business Expo held at the Marlborough Courtyard by Marriott Sept. 30, sponsored by the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC).
Many return year after year to exchange new products and services such as Dan Mauro, owner of The Buffet Way Catering Co., who has been a part of the event for more than 10 years.
“It is a nice way to meet new people and renew old acquaintances in a nice, friendly atmosphere,” said Mauro, who was offering corn chowder and grilled portabella mushrooms to attendees.
Appearing at the expo for the first time was Stella Smith, sales program manager for Quest Diagnostics, a company that moved to the city in May. Ward 7 City Councilor Donald Landers, who is also on the MRCC board, stopped at the booth to formally extend a hand of welcome to Smith and the company which recently opened its new 200,000 square foot facility at 200 Forest St.
Landers noted he was pleased with the turnout at the expo.
“It’s really wonderful,” he said, “that there are so many types of businesses represented here tonight. There’s really a nice cross section of types, such as banks, high-tech, and retail.”
Susanne Morreale-Leeber, president and CEO of MRCC, was overwhelmed with the more than 300 who attended the event.
“We have such an extensive variety of schools, businesses and other community programs all working for the betterment of our city and the surrounding area,” she said.
Leeber is also a member of the Marlborough Regional Community Foundation (MRCF), which was well represented at the expo. Cathy Mogavero, MRCC’s former executive vice president, and who is on the MRCF board, chatted with expo guests about the foundation and its mission which is to collect tax-exempt contributions and disburse funds in support of nonprofit community activities, including scholarships to graduating seniors in Marlborough schools.
Exhibitors at the expo included Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School, Adventures Online, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Avidia Bank, Bhavna’s Wellness Group, Body, Mind and Spine LLC, Boston Biomedical Associates, Capaccio Environmental Engineering, Inc., Chitika, Inc., City Greetings, Clean and Green Car Wash and Detail Center, Commerce Bank, Commercial Fire and Courtyard by Marriott.
Other booths were represented by Cumulus Global, Dairy Queen, David A. Greenwood & Associates, Digital Credit Union (DCU), Doctors Express, Engraveables, Firefly’s BBQ, Friends of the Marlborough Seniors, Inc., Hampton Inn, Immaculate Conception School, Jorie Designs, Juliana’s Catering, Main Street Business Connections, Marlborough High School, Marlborough Rotary Club, Marlborough Savings Bank and MetroWest Visitors Bureau.
Sponsors for this year’s event were Boston Scientific, Hologic, Walmart, DCU, Doctors Express, The MetroWest Daily News, VIP Freelance Studios, Visual Images, and WCRN True Talk.
Photos/Bonnie Adams
