Limited Booth Space Still Available for 2010 Made in Montana Marketplace

Limited exhibitor booth space is still available for the 2010 Made in Montana Marketplace, presented by the City of Great Falls and the Montana Department of Commerce.

The annual Made in Montana Marketplace will be held March 26 and 27, at the Great Falls Civic Center in Great Falls. The show is strategically timed to connect exhibitors with wholesale buyers looking to purchase for the spring and summer seasons.

“The Made in Montana Marketplace is a prime opportunity for producers of Made in Montana products to gain immediate and widespread exposure to wholesale buyers,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “The 2009 Marketplace sold out – exhibitors were on a wait list to get in. The Marketplace is popular because it works.”

“Space is going fast,” according to Paul Lloyd Davies, marketplace coordinator. “Interested producers should register now so they don’t miss out. We are anticipating increased buyer attendance as the economy improves.” Producers can register for remaining booths at http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana

Friday, March 26 is open to wholesale buyers and is closed to the general public. Wholesale buyers represent department stores, grocery stores, gift shops and state and national park stores across the region. Wholesale buyers can register at http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana to attend the Made in Montana Marketplace free of charge. Advance registration is encouraged.

Saturday, March 27 is open to the general public with $3 admission. Children 11 years and younger enter for free.

Exhibitors at the Made in Montana Marketplace produce everything from barbecue sauce to whole grain cereals – wood furniture to natural body care products – and silkscreened apparel to jewelry. The Artisans’ Gallery features beer and wine producers, high-end artists, potters and hand-knitted and felted handbag makers.

Typically, 60 percent of exhibitors are returning participants and 40 percent are attending for the first-time.

A full list of current exhibitors scheduled to attend the Made in Montana Marketplace can be found at the Marketplace website http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana. Check back weekly for updates.

“Made in Montana products are about buying local – supporting your neighbors and your community,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “The Made in Montana Marketplace is a direct line for Montana producers to get these Montana-made products to market.”

"The deals made between producers and wholesale buyers at the Marketplace can be very beneficial. Producers make sales, network and gain valuable publicity and experience. Wholesale buyers make business connections and peruse a wide selection of authentic, Montana-made products under one roof,” said Lloyd-Davies. "Those deals ripple across Montana cities, towns and rural areas."

The Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Department of Agriculture started the original Made in Montana Food & Gift Show in 1998. In 2004, funding for the show was cut. The Schweitzer Administration restored funding to help sponsor the rebirth of the show in 2005. In 2006, the City of Great Falls assumed production of the show and renamed it the Made in Montana Marketplace. The Department of Commerce remains a primary partner and sponsor of the Marketplace. The Department of Agriculture and Montana Arts Council are contributing partners. Private business sponsors for the 2010 Marketplace include: All American Pharmaceutical, Billings; Big Sky Commerce, Missoula; Creative Wave Design, Great Falls; La Quinta Inn and Suites-Great Falls; and Quality Inn Ponderosa, Great Falls; Great Falls Tribune; and Color World Printers, Bozeman.

For more information on exhibitor and wholesale buyer registration, or to become a sponsor, call (406) 455-8510 or visit http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana.