Bustling Buzz of Bartlett: The Expo Where Business, Health, and Home Converge!
From bed-bug sniffing dogs to mesmerizing bee whisperers and mouth-watering barbecue, Bartlett’s 26th annual Business, Health, and Home Expo isn’t just another event – it’s a citywide extravaganza! A captivating display of Bartlett’s vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial spirit, the expo shines a spotlight on the city’s unique business blend.
On April 18, over 70 organizations marched into the Bartlett YMCA, transforming the former recreation center into a hub of energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial prowess. This annual citywide celebration, a brainchild of the City of Bartlett and the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, reflects the city’s broad business palette. “Think of this expo as a microcosm of our buzzing business community,” remarks BACC President John Threadgill.
Dog Solutions Pest Control, owned by Erica Abernathy, stole the show with their canine-led approach to pest control. Attendees watched in awe as her dogs, Calamity and Tenacity, demonstrated their impressive bed-bug detection and geese patrol skills.
The Pink Ribbons LLC, a boutique dedicated to women battling breast cancer and lymphedema, marked another memorable presence. Offering prosthetics, wigs and compression garments, co-owners Susan Tanner and Lynn Barcroft spoke passionately about their mission to improve the quality of life for their clients.
In the gustatory realm, Ty’s Smokehouse made a delicious debut at the expo. Owner Tim Theisen enthralled the crowd with a smorgasbord of homemade treats, from succulent turkey to cheesy barbecue sliders. He proudly shared his plans to expand the restaurant’s presence in the catering realm.
Title-sponsored by Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett, this year’s expo was a testament to community partnership. The hospital was keen to support local businesses and showcase their significant contributions to the community. It even hosted a free bike-safety event and helmet giveaway as part of the expo activities.
With breakout sessions featuring a master gardener, a bee whisperer, a meteorologist, and spine specialists, the Bartlett Expo evolved beyond a mere business showcase. It breathed life into the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating that Bartlett isn’t merely a city, it’s a vibrant business ecosystem!