March 4 Delta Business Expo showcases local businesses, supports scholarships
Mark your calendars to attend the 14th annual Delta Side Business Expo on Saturday,
March 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lansing Mall. Meet more than 80 companies and non-profits, while supporting scholarships for high school seniors residing in Waverly Township.
Delta Township Economic Development Director Ed Reed notes: “The Delta Side Business Association was formed in 1997 to promote connectivity among area businesses, non-profits, local and regional government entities and the community. In 2003, the association began its annual business expo, so residents could be introduced to westside businesses and non-profits. Scholarship support comes from Expo sponsors and booth vendors. We are working toward funding $8,500 in scholarships to be awarded in early May.”
Scholarships are available to any graduating senior that lives in Delta Township. You can find the application at www.Deltaside.org or students can ask their guidance counselor for an application. Students then will complete an application form and write a 250-word essay on why a scholarship could assist in fulfilling their higher education goals. Deadline for 
applications and essays is April 15, and should be sent to the address listed below.
Business sponsors are invited to support scholarships with contributions at five levels, starting at $100, and up to $3,000. Levels from $1,000 and up receive a free booth, a year’s association membership and acknowledgement in all promotional materials.
Booth vendor fees likewise support scholarships. Delta Side Business Association members can reserve a booth for $200. Non-members are asked to chip in $250, while the non-profit exhibit fee is $99 and food vendors handing out food samples is also $99. Vendor application forms are on the Delta Side association website www.deltaside.org. For inclusion in program advertising, booth vendors must remit applications and fees by Feb. 17. Deadline for booth rental is Feb. 24.
Longtime booth vendor Tom Hedlund, owner of Hedlund Plumbing, says: “Hedlund Plumbing has showcased a booth in the Delta Side Business Expo for years, and find it’s a great way to connect 
with the community. We enjoy featuring new products every year for our customers. The Expo is perfect for local residents to have some one-on-one time with some outstanding local businesses.”
Primerica Division Leader Steven Hampton agrees on the Expo’s value to the community: “At the Expo, I was able to network with other business owners and gain a better understanding and appreciation of local businesses and their products and services. they offer. I was also able to share my company’s products and services to Expo visitors.
“Because of my involvement in the Expo, I have many new investment and life insurance clients. The Delta Side Business Expo is a great opportunity to learn about west side businesses. I am looking forward to participating in the Expo again this year.”
Expo Chair is Ken Whitinger, owner of Mid-Michigan Interactive and publisher of Shop Local Lansing magazine. He adds, “The business expo is a great opportunity for any Lansing area business or nonprofit to get in front of thousands of people. It’s great to see how the Delta Township and Lansing community has come out every year to talk to business owners and professionals. The best part, all the money made from the expo gets distributed out in scholarships.”
Delta Side Business Expo
P.O. Box 81090
Lansing, MI 48908
(517) 599-3543