Over 100 Vendors to Showcase Montana Made Creations ~ Lt. Governor to Kick-off Show
If you like unique, locally made products, brimming with authentic Montana flavor, then you’ll love the third annual Made in Montana Marketplace.
Once again the popular tradeshow exhibit spaces featuring new and innovative Made in Montana Products are sold-out. Exhibitors who missed the registration deadline can still request to be wait-listed in case of cancellations.
Wholesale buyers are encouraged to pre-register to avoid waiting in-line on the exclusive wholesale day, which open only for qualified wholesale buyers to meet with exhibitors. Trade show information can be obtained by calling 406-455-8510, or emailing mtmarketplace@ci.great-falls.mt.us
The 2008 Made in Montana Marketplace and trade show will be at the Mansfield Convention Center in Great Falls, February 29th and March 1st. This annual two-day trade show connects buyers looking for Montana products, with the people who produce them.
“Ask any Montanan, and they’ll tell you Montana entrepreneurs and craftsmen create the finest products in the world. The Made in Montana Marketplace is our chance to tell the world what Montanans already know,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “Bringing this quantity of quality vendors and buyers together can produce big breaks for many local companies.”
Over 100 vendors from across the state will showcase dozens of creations, from hand crafted home décor items to gourmet snacks. Buyers from department stores, grocery stores, and gift shops from across Montana are expected to attend the Friday, February 29th exclusive Wholesale Buyer’s Day, that is only open to qualified buyers and the media. Saturday, March 1st is Retail Sales Day, and is open to the public.
“The Made in Montana Marketplace is a huge opportunity for every day entrepreneurs to get exposure to buyers that supply stores all over the country,” said Commerce Director Anthony Preite. “Exposure at the show can lead to deals with national chains.”
The Montana Department of Commerce started the original Made in Montana Food & Gift Show in 1998, however the Martz Administration cut funding for the show in 2004. 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 chief sponsor of the Marketplace today.
“The people of Great Falls and Montana entrepreneurs look forward to this event every year, and with good reason,” said Dona Hughes, events coordinator for the Civic Center. “The Made in Montana Marketplace is a boost to the Great Falls economy and area businesses. Traditionally, hundreds of people to attend this event and their spending power has enormous potential to impact the City of Great Falls, and vendors from other communities.”
Planned Schedule:
9:00 AM Friday, February 29: Show Opens for Wholesale Buyers
· Exhibitor Welcome & Media Kickoff featuring:
- Lt. Governor John Bohlinger
- Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite
- Great Falls Mayor Dona Stebbins
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday, March 1st: Show Open to the Public
· $3.00 fee per person
· More than 2,000 shoppers expected
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Marissa P. Kozel
Communications Director, Director's Office
Montana Department of Commerce
406-841-2772