Various businesses and organizations from in and around Carbon County were showcased at the 2011 Carbon County Home, Garden, and Business Expo. The expo was held Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Hall in Jim Thorpe. Around 80 businesses and non-profit organizations were featured.

The expo was put together by a marketing team made up of members of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce and the Carbon Builders Association."I'm proud of the effort that was put in by these two groups. These two groups came together for the Carbon County businesses," stated Jake Arner, President of the Carbon Builders Association and member of the expo marketing team."Not only did businesses come together but government officials also came together," he added. "It's great that all of these groups came together to make Carbon County a better place."The cost to attend the expo was $2 but the public could opt out of paying the $2 if they had a dollar off coupon and a canned/non-perishable good. The non-perishable food items are to be split up between four food pantries located in Palmerton, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, and Lansford.Vice Chairmen of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce and member of the expo marketing team, Jack Sturm stated that part of the funds raised from the entrance fee will also go towards the four food pantries.The team expected 1,000 to 2,000 people to attend the expo each day."There are a lot of people coming in and we have a great turn out," said Sturm.The expo was located on both the upper and lower levels of Memorial Hall. Some businesses were also located outside the hall. Memorial Hall opened up the kitchen and had food available for guests to purchase."Memorial Hall has been fantastic with working with us to put this together. They even opened up their kitchen for the guests," stated Sturm.Business areas ranging from art, electronics, home construction, recreation, banks and many more were featured. Political officials and candidates also had booths.Magic 105.5 WMGH broadcasted live from the expo on Saturday. The broadcast was sponsored by Mahoning Valley Country Club, Getz Personal Care Home, and Castle Grill.The expo was sponsored by Ohl Fuel Oil, PenTeleData Computer Patrol, Castle Grill, Mauch Chunk Trust, Palmerton Lumber, and PPL.Next year's expo is already planned to be held April 28 and 29.