ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Chemung County Chamber of Commerce partnered with First Arena to host the Southern Tier Business Expo on Tuesday afternoon. The expo showcases the growth that is happening for local businesses around the Southern Tier region and the energy it takes to make it happen. 

“We’re about bringing businesses and business-consumers together...about networking and advocating for one another and also...government affairs,” Jennifer Herrick-McGonigal, the President of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce, said.  

New people in the local business community had a chance to network with existing businesses in the Southern Tier. Herrick-McGonigal said the expo gives everyone a chance to become partners with one another and boost the local economy.  

“We’re starting to see people going into our restaurants again, people supporting businesses...events, you’re really seeing people coming out again,” she said. “You see the county is witnessing a lot of economic development.”  

Representative for Alliance for Empowerment, AJ Kircher, works with a non-profit called Capabilities. Kircher said the organization serves vulnerable people in the community, and those with disabilities, and connects them with job opportunities in the region. 

“This expo means a lot to us,” Kircher said. “It helps us make those connections to other businesses that we can share with our clients that we serve.” 

First Heritage Federal Credit Union came out to celebrate their ties with local businesses and events in the region.  

“We’re involved with ‘Everyday Heroes,’ we get involved in community events, we do all kinds of volunteering,” Christine Iles, Business Development Officer with First Heritage, said. “Being out in the community is really important to us.”  

People had a chance to engage with over 60 businesses and foster networking opportunities to celebrate the regional entrepreneurial spirit in the Southern Tier.