VALDOSTA — With retail stores struggling to keep up with online juggernauts such as Amazon, the importance of face-to-face interactions between store owners and customers can’t be underestimated.

Mellisa Watson with Watson Pools and Spa said her customers appreciate being helped by an actual person and not some faceless computer algorithm. When a customer comes into her store, Watson said she smiles and asks them how their family is doing before helping them find what they seek.

“I love to be personal, and people don’t get that when they shop on the internet,” Watson said. “It’s always good to be face-to-face with the customer.”

On Oct. 5, Watson, along with 100 other Valdosta businesses, will have the chance to have that face-to-face with their customers at the 22nd Annual PrimeTime Business Expo at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.

The expo is a chance for Valdosta businesses to interact with other businesses and customers in the largest business expo in the area.

Watson said it is an opportunity that area businesses won’t find anywhere else. The Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will host the event, and the presenting sponsor will be Fairway Outdoor Advertising, one of the country’s largest privately held outdoor advertising companies with displays in 15 states, according to the chamber.

“The Valdosta business community advertises with Fairway Outdoor, so we are proud to sponsor an event that showcases the business community,” said Deborah Enfinger, sales manager.

Leslie Harris, chamber director of marketing and membership, said it will be a record-breaking expo. About 500-600 people are expected to attend, filling up both ballrooms at the Rainwater Conference Center. It will be open and free to the public from 5-7 p.m., Oct. 5.

There will be all types of businesses there, everything from banks and spas to colleges and senior living facilities. It is an opportunity for businesses to network and show the community what they’ve got, Harris said.

Steven Heddon, owner of Fusion Creative Marketing, said the expo is like nothing else available in Valdosta. He said he always leaves with at least five new business contacts. On top of the networking benefits, Heddon reiterated how important the expo is for exposure to the community.

“It’s really important for businesses to attend the expo, especially if they’re a local business. This is a relatively small town, so this is an opportunity that doesn’t come around often,” Heddon said.

For Valdosta residents, the expo is a chance to meet the owners of local businesses and learn more about them. Residents can also find new businesses or simply learn more about what Valdosta has to offer. 

“There’s no better way to get yourself in front of Valdosta,” Harris said. “Where else can you go to see 100 Valdosta businesses together. There’s no better showcase of what the city has to offer.”

Anyone interested in purchasing a booth should call Harris at (229) 247-8100, Ext. 231.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256