Training, technology primary focus of The Main Event

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
March 7, 2003
Organizers of this year's edition of The Main Event say about 30 exhibitors already have registered.
Members of the steering committee planning the event hope to have at least 130 displays when the business and industry exposition opens at 9 a.m. April 24.
Previous years have brought more than 100 exhibitors to the Lauderdale County Agri-Center, not only in various business and industrial fields but also from the areas of education, law enforcement, service agencies, nonprofit groups and military recruiters.
Tony Pompelia, chairman of the 15th annual expo, announced details of the event at a news conference Thursday. Known as The Main Event, the expo is produced by the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. for businesses to showcase their products and services.
In keeping with past traditions of having a theme for The Main Event, this year's focus is "Training and Technology." Last year's theme was "A Salute to Patriots."
The schedule for The Main Event includes opening ceremonies at 9 a.m., followed by the presentation of the 15th Annual Hartley D. Peavey Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence.
The monthly EMBDC Business After Hours program will take place during The Main Event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring "A Taste of Meridian" presented by area restaurants.
Exhibit awards are scheduled to be presented at 5:30 p.m. for Best of Show, Best of Show Small Business, Best of Show Training and Technology, and Best of Show nonprofit.
Throughout the day, entertainment will be provided by students from Meridian Community College, Meridian High School, the Wesley Belles and Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival talent show winners.