LULING — The River Region Chamber of Commerce will host its first small business expo with co-host St. Charles Economic Development Department from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Edward Dufrense Community Center in Luling.

Attendees are encouraged to pre-register on the Chamber’s website at business.riverregionchamber.org/events/details/2014-business-expo-4619.

The entrance fee is $5 per person at the door.

Attendees can browse over 25 small business tables, with local businesses showcasing their products and services. Free 15-minute Business Seminars hosted by LSBDC will also be offered during the expo.

At 5 p.m., Conversations and Cocktails will begin. Local business members and community members will enjoy hors d’oeuvres served by Messina’s Catering and Events, and there will be a cash bar available.

The vision for this event was inspired by the Chamber’s goal to “Grow, Strengthen and Unify businesses in the River Region.”

“Being largely represented by small business, I believe it is our obligation and our purpose to contribute an event such as a small business expo to give small businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and their services,” Chamber Executive Director Chassity McComack said.

McComack said the Chamber’s desire to always point back to the businesses makes the Chamber what it is.

“It is an opportunity for the community as a whole — fellow businesses and chamber members — to come see not just what the Chamber is about, but what small businesses locally have to offer,” she said.

Rhonda Louque, chair of the Chamber’s business development committee, said the event is about showcasing the smaller businesses and allowing the public to see what the organization is about.

“We are hoping to get other people involved and let them see what the Chamber can provide for them,” Louque said. “It is a great networking opportunity, and it gives lots of exposure to vendors in the Chamber as well as others.”