Feb. 15-Martinsville-The Annual Fast Track Trade Show in Martinsville, VA is fully booked. The Patrick County Chamber will be an exhibitor.

Source: Martinsville Bulletin, Feb. 15. Chamber trade show booked Friday, February 15, 2013 Don’t bother trying to find the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s booth at its upcoming trade show. “We sold it,” chamber President Amanda Witt told the organization’s board on Thursday, noting that all of the exhibition spaces have been rented. Instead of being stationed at a booth, chamber officials will wear badges identifying them as they walk around the show. Fast Track 2013 will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. March 5-6 at the Clock Tower Building at Commonwealth Centre, the former Tultex plant off Franklin Street. The expo helps area businesses and organizations showcase their products and services. Chamber officials say it is the region’s largest trade show. Witt said there will be 133 exhibitors this year, including 23 new ones. Among the exhibitors, she said, 62 percent are service-oriented businesses, 31 percent are nonprofit organizations and 7 percent are manufacturers. Opening night, which is on a Tuesday, is VIP Night, open only to invited guests to help businesses and organizations network. On Wednesday, the show will be open to the public for a $2 fee or a donation of two canned food items to help the needy, Witt said. Again this year, “The Taste of Martinsville-Henry County” will be part of VIP Night. Visitors will be able to sample food prepared by local restaurants and caterers. Witt said the chamber is working to make sure enough parking is available for trade show-goers as well as employees of businesses at Commonwealth Centre.