By SARA GREENE
Leader staff writer
The Jacksonville Business Expo is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the community center. It’s free to the public.
This year’s theme is “Presenting Jacksonville’s Best,” with a Hollywood and red-carpet theme. As an added feature this year, a sneak-preview showing of business booths will take place Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Leader has a special supplement inside this issue devoted to the business expo. The newspaper will have a booth and will raise funds for the Jimmie H. White II Memorial Park on the north side of Jacksonville.
Supporters need $900 for a new bridge at the park. An anonymous donor has agreed to match funds raised at the business expo.
Trooper White grew up and lived in the area until his untimely death at the age of 32.
He was killed on June 1, 2002 while “leapfrogging” to clear traffic during a motorcade for the Blue Angels, who headlined a weekend air show at the base.
Supporters and friends of Trooper White will also have a booth at the expo.
Free tickets to a sneak preview are being offered to all chamber member businesses. The preview is Jacksonville’s first “red carpet” event with time for those who attend to enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, pose for pictures and mingle with celebrity look-a-likes and participating businesses will incorporate movie themes into their exhibit decorations.
There is no cost to attend on the expo, but those who attend will have the opportunity to purchase $1 tickets to use in exchange for the food from booths or to place them into the grand prize drawing that will be awarded.
The grand prize will be a complete living room set donated by Unique Furniture.
