A record number of 94 businesses displayed their goods and services Thursday for the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Business Expo in Fairhaven Hall at the fairgrounds.

The 179th Airlift Wing's color guard held the America flag as Miss Ohio Elissa McCracken sang the national anthem. 

Then Mansfield City Council President Phil Scott, Shelby Mayor Marilyn John, and Ontario Mayor Larry Collins cut the ribbon, opening the seven-hour event with the theme "Connect, Grow, Prosper".   

Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Nestor says the expo is an opportunity for local business people to network and promote themselves. 

Nestor believes this expo has been held for eight or nine years, and it's been successful.

Many of the businesses had giveaways, while the Mansfield Rotary and Kiwanis clubs conducted food drives.

The expo concluded with a Business After Hours, for more networking opportunies.