Eight Duluth Merchants Association members showcased their businesses in a Mini Expo Tuesday, April 3, at the Duluth Festival Center. The event was so successful that the DMA is considering holding a Mini Expo once each quarter to allow other members the opportunity to co-host the event and highlight their businesses.

Each of the exhibitors provided a table display with information on their products and services and gave a five-minute presentation on their businesses. Their presentations were followed by 30 minutes of business networking between DMA members and visitors.

Co-hosts of the Mini Expo were:

AdNetworks, James Moss and Lynn Hicks

Espey Financial Group, Don Kemp

Minuteman Press, Steve & Vivian Eckman

Positive Public Image, Bill & Sheri Eppright

Printing Trade Company & Mark Williams, a candidate for state representative

Rainbow Village, Rev. Nancy Yancy

Sperry Van Ness, Jenny and Albert Wesselmann

Flex HR, Cherie Pritchard and Jason Valdes  

Catering was provided by the Duluth Rexall Grill, a member of the DMA.

Mini Expo participants included back row, l-r: James Moss and Lynn Hicks - AdNetworks; Don Kemp - Espey Financial Service; Vivian Eckman - Minuteman Press of Duluth; Mark Williams - Printing Trade Company; front row l-r: Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris, the Rev. Nancy Yancy – Rainbow Village; Sheri Eppright – Positive Public Image; Jenny Wesselman – Sperry Van Ness; Cheri Pritchard – Flex HR; and Steve Eckman – Minuteman Press of Duluth.

The DMA also recently initiated "Cash Mobs" in which members show up with money in hand to support local businesses. The next Cash Mob event is slated for 5 p.m. Monday, April 16, at Kurt's Bistro.