Meeting and eating at the Business Showcase

Carson Valley residents know the place to come once a year to eat dinner and dessert, have their glasses cleaned, enjoy a massage and get information about a variety of business services - the Carson Valley Business Showcase at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

More than 1,200 people attended the seventh annual showcase organized by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority on Thursday.

The showcase was a sold-out affair with all 88 booths and the list for next year filling up quickly. Business owners have found it a successful way to make people aware of goods and services offered.

"People need to see your name a couple of times so this gives us exposure - and it's fun," said Judy Snight, owner of Call and Haul debris removal service.

Snight's booth was within smelling distance of the space occupied by Carson Valley Country Club restaurant where manager Christian Koblitz was serving plates of chicken paella and chorizo meat balls.

"Last year was the first year we came to the showcase and it makes a difference in our business," said Koblitz.

After tasting food samples at the showcase, people who have been driving by the restaurant for years stop to eat at the Country Club.

Two teenagers came by to get seconds and one threw away her lollipop so she could eat paella. Koblitz accepted the action as a compliment.

"My mission is to bring younger people into the restaurant," he said.

It was possible to get a sample from the Margarita Man while checking out the adoptable pets from Douglas Animal Welfare Group, see demonstrations on energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures from Sierra Pacific Power Co. while enjoying sushi from Wasabi's, or munch on Panchita's Killer Salsa and chips while potting a tomato plant from Full Circle Compost.

Wendy Smith of Sweetie Pies by Wendy said having a booth at the showcase reminds people she's now located in Minden Village.

"It helps them discover where we are now since we used to be in the Ranchos," Smith said. "People forget so being here makes the biggest difference."

This year's title sponsors were Greater Nevada Credit Union and Pro Group Management. Other sponsors included Scolari's Valley Floor Fashions, The Record-courier, 99.1FM Talk and McClain's Mobile Music and DJ Service.