Texas Chamber of Commerce Changes Expo to Boost Economy

GALENA PARK, Texas — The Crosby-Huffman Chamber of Commerce has changed the format of its annual expo in the hopes of benefiting local credit unions and other local businesses.For the first time ever, the chamber allowed participants to actually sell their products and services at its Jan. 31 Consumer Expo, according to The Lake Houston Sentinel. The $68 million United Community Credit Union was among the more than 80 businesses at the event seeking new relationships. Chamber President Ryan Konarik said before, businesses were only allowed to give away free things. The change was made to put more muscle behind promoting local businesses.Janet Colunga-Allen, marketing director at United Community CU, told the publication that consumers are taking a second look at credit unions given the housing and economic downturn.“A lot of people are starting to think it’s a good time to join a credit union. It’s one of the safest places to put your money right now,” Colunga-Allen said.This year’s expo also marks the first time businesses could participate even if they were not members of the chamber. Konarik told the publication “Now there’s actual selling going on, which is what both we and the business community have wanted all along.”–[email protected]