Kootenay Healthy Living Expo coming in September
By Valerie Rossi
Waneta Plaza is warming up for sun salutations with the Kootenay Healthy Living Expo: REFRESH on the horizon this fall.
The Trail & District Chamber of Commerce’s signature event, back for its fourth annual celebration, brings ‘eat, move, think, thrive’ exhibitors together for an interactive free event that gives the public a taste of healthy living modalities local to the South Kootenay region.
Coordinated by a group with over 50 years of combined industry experience, the Expo is accessible for all and features 30 curated conventional and alternative health vendors ready to educate, inform, and demonstrate their expertise.
“It’s going to be quite a dynamic event,” says Wendy Robertsen, Expo co-organizer and marketing coordinator of Earthy Organics. “The public can expect fitness and yoga instructors, healing modalities, chiropractors, massage therapists, and even healthy food industry experts on hand. And it won’t just be people standing at booths handing out materials – there will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to move and try something different under the guidance of expert practitioners.”
Born and raised in the West Kootenay, Yoga Therapist and Ayurveda professional Robertsen has worked in the fitness industry for 15 years. After moving back to Fruitvale, she noticed a gap in community involvement; despite the number of talented multi-discipline instructors, information about their classes and other offerings wasn’t easily accessible.
Creating a platform to raise awareness and encourage connections in the health and wellness industry was the impetus for bringing the Expo back. She plans on building a database of businesses and practitioners in this specialized industry for future opportunities and business-to-business connections.
“You never know what’s going to be the treatment that heals the individual, so we often work in partnership across modalities to facilitate proper integration,” Robertsen adds. “This is a venue that will have many different modalities that people can explore.”
Expo vendors will benefit from the event’s comprehensive marketing strategy, access to promotion through the Chamber and community partners, and a marketing plan that includes radio promotions, print and online newspaper ads, and promotion through the Chamber’s social media channels. The event will also encourage visitors to visit all of the vendors via a game of bingo for a chance to win prizes.
“This is a great opportunity for the Chamber to help lend a voice to the grassroots businesses that provide such important services to our communities,” says Chamber Executive Director Erika Krest. “Wendy isn’t the only member of the business community that reached out to us about developing and reigniting this event and this is exactly the kind of initiative that speaks to the Chamber’s core values.”
Sponsored by organizations that align with the Expo’s mission, the Chamber, Robertsen, and fellow committee member Food Business Consultant Mandi Lunan have been working tirelessly to bring together a wide array of local healthy living experts. Hosting it at Waneta Plaza ensures the event takes place rain or shine, so visitors and vendors alike can connect, develop partnerships, and joyfully share expertise and experiences.
“Yoga became a part of my life because it was the only way I could slow down and fill my cup while working a very taxing job in sales,” says Robertsen. “But what serves me might not necessarily be the same for someone else. When people get involved in something that serves them, it becomes personal and therefore powerful.”
All ages are invited to find a health and wellness modality that works for them at the multi-faceted event. Come on out to Waneta Plaza on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to treat your mind, body, and soul!
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