For Immediate Release

Contact:  Andrew Alt, Publicist (616) 949-2247

e-mail:  andrewa@showspan.com  

Keeping it Local at the Lansing Home and Garden Show

 

It’s the largest show of its kind in the area, so it is no surprise that over the past 14 years homeowners and gardening enthusiasts have come to look forward each spring to the Lansing Home and Garden Show. 

But while thousands of patrons enjoy the show, hundreds of Mid-Michigan businesses rely on it as an important boost to their annual sales.

“I look forward to this show every year,” says Centennial Woodworking’s Perry Salyer.  “It has been a huge part of our sales growth over the last four years.”

That’s music to the ears of Show Manager Carolyn Alt, who says one of the most rewarding things about running such shows is the benefit to local businesses, large and small.

“Of our 300 exhibitors, 250 are local businesses, and that’s something we’re proud of,” she says.  “We believe strongly in supporting local businesses, and this is a great opportunity for them to make contact with potential customers.  We’re glad that’s happening at our show.”

The size of businesses at the show range from single person operations to the area’s largest manufacturer/fabricator of vinyl fence and garden products, Ranch Life Plastics.

“This show brings in a large number of attendees, and each year we’ve had more quality leads,” says Ranch Life co-owner Carol Peek.  “Advertising is important, but there is nothing like meeting people face to face at a show.”

Alt agrees.  “I think most people would rather know the person they’re hiring to work on their home or landscaping, or who they’re making a major purchase from,” she says.  “People want a quality product or service, but they also like knowing their money is staying in the community.  They like working with people who live near them, care about the community, and are going to be around after the sale is over.”

Her sense is confirmed on hundreds of patron surveys completed each year.  One from the 2009 show summed it up best.

“I enjoyed talking to local business owners, discovering companies I had never heard of but would definitely use,” the attendee wrote.  “I also enjoyed learning about new technologies and areas of home ownership that I was uneducated about from people who were so friendly and polite.”   

 

Discount weekday admission coupons are available online at www.LansingHomeShow.com and at Wendy's and Quality Dairy.

 

Location:     MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI

 

24-Hour Info: 1-800-328-6550 or www.LansingHomeShow.com 

 

Dates & Times		Admission
Thursday, March 18	3 pm - 9:00pm	Adults:  $8.00
Friday, March 19	Noon - 9:00pm	Children (6-14): $4.00
Saturday, March 20	10 am - 9:00pm	5 & Under: Free
Sunday, March 21	10 am - 5pm