Business Showcase Highlights Local Vendors At Marley Station

By Darrell Mak

The ninth annual Home-Based and Small Business Showcase came to Marley Station Mall on Saturday, May 7. The event brought dozens of local vendors together for product demonstrations, free giveaways, and entertainment. Coordinated by The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce, the event focused on spotlighting and promoting various small businesses in the area.

 The business showcase took place in the mall’s Center Court between 10:00am and 4:00pm and was free and open to the public. A couple dozen businesses lined the perimeter of the mall’s center court, showcasing samples of their products and services. The free event is designed to highlight the many home-based and small-business opportunities in the area.

“We’re excited about how well this show came together,” said Linda Zahn, CEO of The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce.

Shoppers were invited to stop by and learn more about what the business community has to offer. “Supporting local businesses is key to a vibrant community. It's great to live with wonderful restaurants, shopping and services within minutes of your front door.”

The showcase will highlight not only a variety of small businesses that serve the area, but also businesses and organizations that provide services to both business and the community.

“It featured a diverse group of both big and small businesses,” said Paulette Morris, who is chair of the showcase’s planning committee and also the owner of Idea/Weaver Promotions.

Many of the vendors set up their booths with games or other fun activities. New for this year were “Health/Wellness/Beauty” and “Home Show” sections to make browsing and shopping easier than ever. In addition, a variety of door prizes were given out throughout the day.

There was also be a line-up of entertainment during the event starting at 11:00am, which included a performance by the Maryland State Martial Arts, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, and the Jing Ying Institute's Women's Self-Defense.

A few years ago, the format of the showcase shifted from having small-business related seminars to more entertainment. “We wanted to make the event have more of a family atmosphere with fun,” said Morris.

In earlier years, the showcase event was held at an Office Depot store with just a couple of tables, but it was moved to Marley Station Mall in 2007 to take advantage of greater exposure.

Visitors to the event received a free visitor bag to carry the many items being given away by the showcase vendors. Sponsors helping support this year’s showcase included Celebree Learning Center, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Idea Weaver Promotions, Jing Ying Institute, Maryland State Martial Arts, Storage Village Self Storage, and Costco Wholesale.

“The Saturday before Mother’s Day has proven to be a good one for us at Marley Station Mall, and Center Court is a great venue,” said Zahn.