Stateline Business Expo will award a $1000 gift to a random attendee

The Stateline Business Expo, previously known as RORO Expo, will take place this weekend at the Hononegah Fieldhouse. Organized by the Stateline Chamber, the Expo showcases numerous local businesses, food trucks, and family entertainment, and introduces a new feature this year—a $1000 gift to a randomly selected attendee.

Normally held in March or April, the event was rescheduled to June due to conflicts. The Expo will be held on Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

In previous years, the Expo faced challenges due to external factors. In 2015, the HCHS Dome, which had been the Expo's venue for over a decade,  collapsed, leaving the event without a location. After relocating multiple times, the Expo returned to its original home at Hononegah in March 2020 after the completion of the Fieldhouse.

In 2020, the Expo underwent a name change to Stateline Business Expo to encompass the entire region served by the Chamber, including Beloit, South Beloit, the Parks, and the Greater Rockford area. The former name, RORO Expo, reflected the collaboration between the Rockton and Roscoe Chambers, which jointly hosted the event for nearly two decades. In 2016, these chambers merged to form the Stateline Chamber. The Stateline Chamber of Commerce is a regional Chamber, serving businesses and organizations in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit, Illinois.

The Expo's return to Hononegah in 2020 saw approximately 2,000 attendees, falling short of the expected 5,000. However, considering the challenging year, with limited public event attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the turnout was still considered satisfactory. Shortly after the Expo, on March 20, 2020, Illinois  implemented a "stay at home" order.

For the  2021 event,  the Chamber contemplated hosting the SB Expo outdoors at Main St Square in Roscoe but encountered limited interest and decided to focus on the  2022 edition instead.

The inclusion of a $1,000 giveaway this year aims to generate more awareness. To enter the drawing, attendees simply need to visit the expo, locate the registration booth, and provide their name and email address. In addition to the chance to win, visitors can enjoy various family activities, explore local businesses, savor entertainment, and indulge in delicious food during the event.

Layout

With the summer weather, the expo will also be able to expand the experience outside. More details on that coming soon. There will be a variety of types of vendors attending, including:

• Health & Wellness
• Insurance
• Contractors
• Landscaping
• Youth Sports
• Education
• Municipalities
• Community Services
• And more…