Hundreds of Businesses Join Forces for Salem, Oregon's ShowBiz '07 (VIDEO)

ShowBiz is the Willamette Valley's largest annual business trade show.

Bonnie King interviews AJ Nash of CTX during ShowBiz 2007 Photos and video by: Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - ShowBiz was the hottest show in town Thursday- another huge success according to vendors and visitors alike.

More than 200 local businesses participated and thousands enjoyed milling from booth to booth learning what Salem Chamber of Commerce businesses have to offer. The event takes place every year at the State Fairgrounds in the Jackman Long building.

We were able to record a good cross section of people and companies that were on hand peddling their best products and ideas to a large crowd of existing and prospective customers, though this is just a small sampling of the businesses in attendance.

One attention drawing display each year is assembled by Elegant Catering, it is eye candy that you can really eat. This time we caught up with them when they were preparing spring rolls, and did they ever look delicious.

For those intrigued with flying, Silver State Helicopters brought their blue helicopter right onto the showroom floor, so people could see up close what is buzzing around the skies of south Salem almost daily.

Gwen Graham from Graham Aviation was also there to talk to people interested in learning to fly airplanes. "This is the perfect time to start. Get your ground school in, and start flying, you can be a pilot by the end of summer," she said.

There were also plenty of companies at ShowBiz that deal in financial affairs, real estate and investments. Local sports groups like the Cascade Surge were also on hand to give everyone a chance at kicking the soccer ball at record speed.

You can't have a ShowBiz event without lots of media groups, and everybody showed up to remind visitors about the importance of information and communication. They included local radio stations KBZY and KYKN and Hispanic station La Pantera.

Not missing a beat, print groups like The Salem Monthly, Salem Business Journal and Statesman Journal were represented with their new publications at the ready. "It's been a great year for us, so we're happy to be here and share our story with our customers, and to say thanks," commented AP Walther, of the Salem Monthly.

Local TV station KWVT, which is in the midst of exciting new changes and upgrades, brought out their new production van, and Allied Video was there as always with a dazzling display of advanced video equipment.

Of course these industries and the businesses in the video only represent a small percentage of who was there and what was available. As Salem-News.com continues to grow and receive the increasing support of area businesses, the frequency of business reports will expand also.

One important thing to note about ShowBiz is that the event is more than just fun; it is educational. It is truly fascinating to learn about the exciting things local companies are making and doing and to discover their unique innovations.

ShowBiz is an event that Salemites look forward to every year. The food demonstrations, door prizes and samples, samples, samples, make it a day to remember for all ages. The public has the opportunity to meet many local business owners under one roof and see for themselves what it is that makes Salem "tick".

All participants have one thing in common: they care about Salem business and are willing to get out and show that support, encouraging every one to "Buy In Salem".
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WATCH THE VIDEO REPORT BELOW FROM SALEM-NEWS.COM'S BONNIE KING ON SHOWBIZ 2007 IN SALEM, OREGON: