Ketchikan's Business Expo 2001.

• Author: PILKINGTON, STEVE

Years ago a seed was planted in fertile ground in Ketchikan--an annual trade show that has blossomed with time. It has evolved from various specialty shows into what is now a full-fledged business expo for Alaska storefronts and Southeast industries.

This month, April 7-8, Expo 2001 in Ketchikan will be the showcase for a gamut of local and Alaska commercial shops, specialty stores and service providers. Though it may not be fully matured, it is definitely on the right track, according to organizers and sponsors.

"In one form or another it has probably been going on for 15 or 20 years," said Jacquie Meck, co-owner of TLP Communications Inc., the main sponsor behind Expo 2001. "It's been a home show, a boat show, a recreation show. We decided we were excluding some of the others. We decided to give it a new face."

Meck has worked for the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, the event's prior sponsor, and has seen the changes over the years. Some of this year's changes, however, will improve the food and the flow of the event, she said.

"It's gonna be good," Meck said.

Expo 2001 will be held at Ketchikan High School. The main gymnasium is the focal point for the booths and displays, while the commons area will have food booths with specialties prepared by members of the school's culinary arts classes. "You can gain 10 pounds just standing in the commons area," Meck said. There also will be activities for the entire family.

By early last month, most of the 58 booths had sold and organizers were working on placement and scheduling details. Exhibitors mainly are local Ketchikan businesses, ranging in size from small cellular companies, to computer-based shops and glass and shipping companies. Statewide telecommunications providers have also signed up to showcase their products and services. In the past, many of the companies taking part were retail-type storefronts with particular products to sell. These days, most of the businesses involved provide services instead, often designed to help families seeking to boost their leisure time...