It’s time to get to business

Barbara Diamond

Shoppers will find more than tomatoes and peaches at the Laguna Beach

Certified Farmers Market on Sept. 20.

About 65 businesses and community organizations are expected to

set up booths that day for the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s

ninth annual Business Expo, which will be held next to the market.

“The goal is to introduce residents to their local businesses and

services,” said Dennis Junka, chamber first vice president and chair

of the expo for the second year. “We are excited to be working with

the farmers’ market and manager Jennifer Griffiths. The market is a

part of Laguna, and this will increase locals’ awareness.”

Admission to the expo is free to the public.

Chamber members who are interested in participating should contact

the chamber. Participant fees for members will be $50 through today

and $75 after that. Nonmember fees are $85 through today and $105

afterward.

Participants will include the Laguna Beach Visitor’s Bureau. The

bureau’s booth will feature the Visitors Guide, “which covers just

about everything,” said Kathleen Spaglione, bureau executive

director.

The bureau will also offer the Laguna Beach Arts Alliance

Calendar, a quarterly listing of art and cultural events; and the new

Conference and Meeting Guide, which will identify locations for

special events, including weddings and family reunions.

The expo will include a health and beauty section and massages

will be offered. Community services also will be featured.

“We will have the DARE car, a Doctor’s ambulance and the Community

Clinic van to publicize those services to the town,” Junka said.

There will be entertainment, refreshments and an opportunity prize

of a color television set.

“We are working on getting a dunk tank,” chamber Chief Executive

Officer Anne Morris said. “Dignitaries will be the targets.”

The chamber’s 2002-03 city map will be available at the expo, as

well as the newly published 2003-04 Business and Resource Guide, the

Relocation Guide and Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce gift

certificates.

“The gift certificates are good in 300 participating businesses in

town and may be purchased in $10, $25 and $50 denominations,” Morris

said.

The chamber is at 357 Glenneyre St., under the Laguna Beach

Library. For more information about the expo or chamber programs,

call 494-1018, ext. 1.