The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce will host over 80 vendors for a new Business Expo on Oct. 29 at The Classic Center from 3 to 7 p.m.

“We want to provide a forum for local businesses to grow their network of customers and suppliers. Our Business Expo provides that avenue,” said David Bradley, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Business Expo will also showcase businesses in surrounding counties. “We understand that Athens is a commercial hub for northeast Georgia. We have reached out to other Chambers in our region and will host their participating members at the event,” Bradley said.

There will be two educational seminars available:

• 3 to 4 p.m.: Thomas Cunningham, chief economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber who had a 30-year career with the Federal Reserve Bank, will discuss the state of the national, state, regional and local economies.

• 4 to 5 p.m.: Blue Cross Blue Shield on the state of health insurance, with particular attention to the SMART insurance plan and its expected expansion.

Many business sectors will be exhibiting, including financial institutions, travel agencies, insurance brokers, health and wellness facilities, and the hospitality industry.

Some booth spaces are still available for interested businesses. The cost for a space is $325 (additional cost for electricity). To register as a vendor or for more information, please call the Chamber office at (706) 549-6800 or visit the Chamber’s website at www.athensga.com. The event is free for anyone to attend.