Very few events have had such a positive impact on the Jackson County business community as the establishment in 1998 of the Jackson County Spring Showcase business exhibition.

"This has proven to be one of the most successful ideas ever undertaken by the Jackson Area Chamber Of Commerce," said Randy Heath, who originated the idea for the show after seeing how other chambers in Ohio had been successful with the idea.

"It has been so valuable to the exhibitors because it gives them exposure that is invaluable over just a three-day period," noted Heath. "It is valuable to the chamber as it has become our biggest fund-raiser and we are still able to give so much in return."

Heath says for many of the exhibitors, who have smaller businesses, the exposure some receive in one weekend is more than they might gain the entire year.

"The public certainly looks forward to the event each year and it is a tribute to the Jackson County business community that they continue to improve on the appearance of their exhibits and their generosity in their prizes that makes the event the success it has been year after year," he remarked.

Those visiting have enjoyed the opportunity of registering for many free gifts as well as learning more about the many services and products available in the Jackson area. Nearly $50,000 in prizes have been given away since the event began.

The event is normally held in late March or early April, with the date and location to be announced by January each year.

The event has grown in its seven years to include over 60 business exhibitors for the weekend show and between 1,300 and 17,000 patrons in attendance, including those visiting the event as well as those who work at the event.

Among the exhibitors who took part in the 2004-05 Spring Showcase were:

• A. L. Terry Jewelers
• Adena Health Center of Jackson
• American General Finance
• Appalachian Realty
• Atomic Employees Credit Union
• Best One Tire
• Buckeye Hills Career Center (Gallia-Jackson-Vinton JVSD)
• Buckeye Rural Electric Co-op
• CDR Radio/The Path
• City of Jackson Tourism
• Cody Products & Services
• Creative Concepts
• Cross Creek Satellite
• Diles Hearing Center of Jackson
• E. E. Perry & Sons
• ERA Accent II Realty
• Eisnaugle Custom Framing
• Elizabeth's Flowers & Gifts
• Enchanted Florist & Whimsies
• Engraving Plus Jewelry & Gifts
• FACTS/New Alternatives
• Farm Credit Services of Mid-America
• Four Winds Nursing Community
• Gallia-Jackson-Meigs Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health
• Genesis Medical Supplies
• Goodwill Industries of Jackson
• Heartland of Jackson Nursing Facility
• Hill View Retirement Center
• Holly Hills Apartments
• Holzer Clinic of Jackson
• Holzer Medical Center/Gallipolis (Community Health & Wellness)
• Holzer Medical Center/Jackson
• Interim Health Care
• Jackson Auto Credit
• Jackson City Schools
• Jackson County Health Department
• Jackson County Times-Journal
• Jackson Custom Detailing
• Jackson Foot And Ankle Clinic
• Jackson-Vinton Farm Bureau
• Kroger's
• McNelly, Patrick & Associates
• Milton Banking Company
• National City Bank
• Noah's Ark Animal Farm
• Oak Hill Area Chamber of Commerce
• Oak Hill Banks
• Ohio Pest Control
• Ohio Valley Banking Company
• Paws A While Kennel
• Pictures In Thread
• Premium Custom Home Builders
• Premium Wood & Garden Products
• Puppy Boot Camp
• Rent-2-Own
• Sherwin Williams Paints
• Southeastern Business College
• Southern Hills Arts Council
• Southern Ohio Communications
• Splash Down Water Park
• Strickland Sales And Service
• The Tea Caddy of Jackson
• The University of Rio Grande
• Wal-Mart
• Western Auto
• Workman's Lawncare
• Wyngate of Jackson