GENEVA — The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is all about meeting, chatting, learning and networking, chamber Executive Director Sue Ellen Foote said.

“I feel like we have got this expo down to a science,” she said. “The event comes together so beautifully. We offer great door prizes and people come so they can talk to managers and business owners. The expo is truly a one-stop informational evening.”

Foote expects 52 businesses to showcase their wares and services at the annual free event on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Geneva High School.

“We are expecting a great crowd,” she said. “There will be a lot going on in every aspect of the expo.”

Foote said rows of tables with information on products and services, as well as plenty of food samples will wow the crowd.

“For those who have never attended one of the expos, expect to see rows of tables of local businesses showcasing their products and services. People go from table to table and they see every single booth. They are able to talk to so many business owners and managers. They get so much information and brochures, and they always walk away knowing more than when they walked through the door.”

Foote said the businesses donate amazing door prizes for the event.

“I tell people to bring their business cards and sign up for the door prizes because we always have so many,” she said.

Businesses present include the Ashtabula County Medical Center, Andover Bank, the Ashtabula County Business Exchange, Ann Wiley Insurance, the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency, the Ashtabula County District Library, Austinburg Nursing and Rehabilitation, Avon Products, Bath Fitter, Bouts and Bouquets, Chestnut Homes, Comfort Supply, Inc., Cope Farm Equipment, Crawford Insurance, Crossroads Hospice, Crystal Clear Water, Earths Natural Treasures, Fleming and Billman Funeral Directors, Inc., The Ashtabula County Foodies Cash Mob, French Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Gazette Newspapers, Geneva Area City Schools, Geneva Shores, Geneva Spinal Health, Geneva Veterinary Clinic, Geneva Village Retirement, Geneva Business Women, Goddess Wine House, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Intermessage, Kent State University, Key Bank, Lakeview Federal Credit Union, Northwest Ambulance District, Northwest Savings Bank, R & M Farms, Rae Ann of Geneva Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Rapid Photo, Ryan Heating & Cooling, Inc., Geneva Medical Center, Upscale Eats Catering, Vector Security, What’s For Dinner By LPD, Austinburg Veterinary Clinic, Dave’s Cosmic Subs, Briquettes Smokehouse, Ashtabula Goodwill, Purola Brothers Pizza/Mommy & Me Cupcakery, Behm Family Funeral Homes, Ashtabula Living Magazine, Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Geneva Waste Water Department, Geneva Fire Department,

Foote said the expo encourages a healthy local economy and introduces people to products and services available within the community.

“The vendors are so excited about the exposure and great networking opportunities,” she said. “This is people to people and business to business networking and connecting. I say bring a friend and attend, stop by at the high school on your way home from work. We can’t wait to see you there!”

The chamber is also gearing up for some new networking events this spring, including “Coffee and Contacts,” held the last Wednesday of each month. The events, planned in conjunction with the Madison-Perry Chamber of Commerce, are free and every business owner or manager gets at 30-second time to present a “commercial” about their business.

The next Coffee and Contacts will be held Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Lantern on Hubbard Road in Madison Township. Call 466-8694 to register.

A Coffee and Contacts event will be held April 24 at Geneva Shores on West Main Street.