Pumping land

Usually reserved for the weightlifting set, Gold”™s Gym in Poughkeepsie cleared the floor for another type of workout May 17: Businesses and service providers curled briefcases and flexed handshakes  while greeting visitors at the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce”™s 2007 Connections Expo in Poughkeepsie.

In addition to health-care providers, insurers, educators, landscapers, information technology experts and bankers, this year”™s venue added a touch of color to the business landscape.  Working in tandem with Dutchess County”™s 2007 “green theme,” the expo dedicated an aisle to exhibitors who are environmentally friendly, including Hudson Valley Green Builders, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the new Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries. Dutchess, like many counties, is increasingly looking for ways to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage energy-smart building by showcasing cleaner and greener businesses and agencies.

This is the expo”™s 20^th year, and it has grown considerably from its original 35 vendors to this year”™s 125 businesses that packed the gym. Expo organizers  say Gold”™s Gym is the perfect location for their annual event, since it”™s big enough to cater to some larger-than-life businesses, including blow-up slides, child-friendly trampolines and other kiddie attractions for business parents with children in tow.  “There is something for everyone,” said Ann Meagher, chamber president.

Organizers “guestimated” more than 1,000 people visited the expo, enjoying food and drink, including the newest soda from Coca-Cola, a chance to spin the wheel to win tickets to a Renegades minor-league game and other prizes. Vanacore, DeBenededictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, CPAs, hosted the business-after-hours event from 5 to 7 p.m.

With an eye toward future business leaders, the chamber will hold its annual fundraiser for the Nussbickel Scholarship at Casperkill Golf Club in Poughkeepsie on Monday, June 25. Established by the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber and the Chamber Foundation, money raised goes to help deserving students graduating from the Wappingers Central and Beacon City school districts. For more information, log onto: www.gsdcc.org.