Even though it's hard to believe in the middle of wintry days, spring will be here before you know it, so the chamber is "thinking Spring" while planning for the "2008 Spring Show."

It's time to start thinking of growing your business by meeting new potential clients. As an exhibitor at The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza on March 27, you will have the opportunity to talk to 70 to 80 other exhibitors in addition to the hundreds of business people who will attend.

Reservations are being taken now for exhibitors and sponsors. An "early bird" 10 percent discount will be given for reservations received by Feb. 8. If your company was established after January, 2007, you may qualify for another discount.

Call Wanda or Cheri at the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce, (219) 769-8180 for more information.

Two reasons to celebrate

Truck City of Gary will celebrate two momentous occasions on Jan. 21. They will be honoring the 100th birthday of founder Paul G. Davis and dedicating a new facility. A portrait of Davis that will hang in the lobby of the new building at 2333 W. 25th Ave. in Gary will be unveiled at 2:30 p.m. during the reception, planned for 2 to 6 p.m.

Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to Amy at (219) 949-8595 no later than Friday.

Free workshop

"Building a Winning Team" will be the topic of a free, two-hour workshop presented by Dale Carnegie Training from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Dale Carnegie-Chicago office, 1333 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, Ill.

The workshop will be conducted by Don Adams, president and CEO of Dale Carnegie n Chicago. Register for the workshop by calling (630) 390-6050 or visit www.Chicago.dalecarnegie.com.

Volunteers needed

Merrillville Chamber of Commerce's Education Committee and the Merrillville Community School Corporation will host the 2008 Reality StoreSM, "Envision the Future" from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 5 at Pierce Middle School.

Eighth graders will arrive with a chosen career they plan to have at age 28, along with a checkbook and savings account ledger based on a monthly income for that career Students learn what it costs to live the way they would like, what different kinds of jobs pay, and what occupations are available as they move from booth to booth spending their income on insurance, housing, transportation, food, child care, etc.

Many volunteers are needed to make this event a success and participation in helping young citizens learn about their future options is much appreciated. A continental breakfast will be provided for volunteers and Brian Popp of Laszlo & Popp, PC n Attorneys At Law, has graciously donated lunch again this year for all volunteers.

Call the chamber at (219) 769-8180 for more information about volunteer participation.

John J. Janik is president and CEO of the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce. Reach him at (219) 769-8180 or jjanik@merrillvillecoc.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.