PRESS RELEASE
Distributed August 2000

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Continuing a tradition of excellence, The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal presents Northeast Business Expo 2000, September 6 and 7, at the Woodlands Inn and Resort in Wilkes-Barre. This year’s event will be produced by one of the region’s leading marketing and advertising firms, Longbotham Strategic Marketing. The firm was selected based on the caliber of their work, reputation in the regional business community and years of experience in producing a variety of public events.

As the most eagerly anticipated and best-attended business-to-business even in our region, Northeast Business Expo offers local professionals two full days of dynamic interaction with both service providers and community leaders. Exhibitors hail from a broad spectrum of pursuits including healthcare, telecommunications, finance, computer and internet services, printing, and more. Their participation in Northeast Business Expo reflects a dynamic, proactive philosophy towards maintaining a strong and healthy economy here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Now part of the Times-Shamrock family, the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal has added many exciting new activities to this year’s autumn-themed event. Bonnie J. Longbotham, President of Longbotham Strategic Marketing explains, “In addition to networking with other professionals, exploring new ideas and technologies, and meeting valuable new vendors, attendees can register free of charge; test their golfing skills at The Great Putting Challenge, sponsored by Lackawanna County; sip gourmet coffee and check mail at the Cyber Café; tempt Lady Luck and attempt to win $5,000.00 at The Dice Game; relax and rejuvenate under the skilled hands of our Professional Masseur, and enjoy a meal or snack at the Woodlands Café.”

As always, Wednesday night’s “Expo Mixer” promises to be the social event of the season, with  Rock 107’s famed Daniels and Webster hosting the festivities. The Woodlands’ Executive Lounge will feature music by local favorite Top Shelf. Guests can register to win a Fall Foliage Cruise courtesy of Tenenbaum’s Travel, munch on complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and indulge in Octoberfest hospitality specials courtesy of the Woodlands and L.T. Verrastro, Inc.

New this year, inside the Woodlands’ futuristic Club Evolution, representatives from many Regional Visitors Bureaus will host “An Evolution of NEPA Tourism!” – a video tribute and social reception celebrating the progress of tourism in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Northeast Business Expo 2000 opens at 11AM on Wednesday, September 6th, Exhibit Areas close at 6PM and the “Expo Mixer” runs from 6 until 9PM. Thursday’s show opens at 11AM and closes at 4PM. A limited number of booths are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Longbotham says that there’s still time to participate, ”To reserve a booth, calls should be directed to the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal at (570) 207-9001. Walk-in registration is available at the door, however, visitors planning to attend the Expo can save time by registering in advance at www.NPBJ.com.”

This year’s Corporate Sponsors include Blue Cross of Northeaster Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Blue Shield; LA Bank and Pioneer Bank – soon to be Pennstar Bank, and Dr. Charles J. Musto of the Musto Dental Implant Institute. Media Partners include The Scranton Times/Tribune, The Citizens’ Voice, Rock 107, Oldies 92 and 100, ESPN Radio 630 and 1240, Fox 56, WB 38, Cable Rep Advertising and Electric City.