More than 12,000 people and 400 exhibitors from all five boroughs filled the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan for the debut NY Xpo for Business networking and developing relationships to boost business.
In addition to the all-day networking event, the presidents of all five borough Chambers of Commerce were thrilled that Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered the keynote address at a festive luncheon on November 29.
Bloomberg praised the Chamber presidents, including Queens Chamber President Raymond Irrera and Executive Vice President Bill Egan, for their leadership and help coordinating the event.
“This is a five-borough city - one whose future depends on our 200,000 small businesses, which employ close to half of our workforce in all five boroughs,” Bloomberg said. “When our small businesses are strong, our economy is healthy. It's just that simple.”
Throughout the day, exhibitors from both large and small businesses offering a diverse array of services displayed information at their booths with the hopes of generating new business.
“It's been a great experience. Traffic has been coming in and out all day with new faces coming by,” said Anthony Fagbeyiro, a small business specialist for Bank of America, who had a number of representatives operating its exhibit table.
He said that he was there in order to establish new business connections, but also to hear from their customers about what his company can do to make their experiences better.
Joyce Moy, Director of Business and Community Development for the Small Business Development Center at LaGuardia Community College said she was impressed with the diversity in exhibitors as well as the people who came by her table.
“We are hoping that the people who come by will learn about the full range of services we offer,” she said.
In addition to finding out information and networking with those in attendance, the show offered nearly 50 seminars covering sales, marketing and advertising, business management, technology and more from experts in those areas.
Mayor Bloomberg finished his address by telling the business community that New York City's economy is in great shape.
“Our economy is booming; this year, we're almost certain to break the record we set during 2005 for building permits issued and at 4.1 percent, our unemployment is the lowest ever,” he said. “We've still got work to do. But, we're headed in the right direction and if we keep pulling together - as five boroughs in one great city - we can ensure that our best days are yet to come.”
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