ELSBA to host first ever 'Keep it Local Show'

Date: 2/23/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW -- In an effort to promote the various small businesses and trades located in town, the East Longmeadow Small Business Association (ELSBA) will be hosting its first ever "Keep it Local Show" on March 1.

"This show is to help our club members and whatever businesses want to join [the association]," ELSBA President Sandra Meccia of Mec's Landscaping said. "We want people to be aware of the things in town and in the area. It's like a mini-home show."

Meccia said the show should appeal to homeowners and the general public too. The "Keep it Local Show" will feature everything from accountants to fencers -- "no two of the same," Meccia stated.

The featured vendors include A + J Porficio, W.B. Hill, Trailers of New England, Acres Power Equipment, Sarat Ford, Maybury Material Handling, Bobcat of Greater Springfield, the Capa di Roma Sauce Company, Bart Truck, Arbortech Tree Service, Graziano Gardens, Nuvo Bank, Taylor Rental of East Longmeadow, Heritage Lawns, Go Graphics, Soccer Shop, Porter Road Pet Care, Pete's Tire Barn, GMH Fence, Carhart Accounting Firm and Dwight Rudd Insurance.

An ELSBA membership table will also be set up and the State Police will be on hand to answer any questions.

The 22 spots at the show, both inside and outside, had sold out in two days, according to Meccia. There are still approximately one dozen businesses on the waiting list.

Meccia said that the show is free of charge to visitors, and that the association is currently seeking out local restaurants that would be willing to donate food for the event.

"This is something different for East Longmeadow," Meccia said.

The "Keep it Local Show" will take place March 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at I.T.A.M. Vets on Vineland Avenue. The rain/snow date is March 8.

To learn more about ELSBA, visit www.elsba.org.