By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - A record number of Greater Cincinnati companies - 65 - are participating this week in the third annual Southeastern Butler County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.

Friday's event will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre. Admission is free.

The expo takes on a regional flavor this year; businesses from Dayton to Northern Kentucky are participating, including Cinergy, Cincinnati Bell and Mercy Hospital Fairfield.

Another debut this year will be free samples from popular eateries including Jag's Steak & Seafood, Encore Cafe and Dented Silo Pub.

"This is the third year in a row we have sold out well in advance and we are expecting a record number of attendees," said Joe Hinson, the chamber's president and chief executive officer. "It is kind of indicative of the business activity of Southeastern Butler County. This has become a regional event."

Last year's expo drew about 500 people making connections with businesses in Butler County's burgeoning West Chester and Liberty townships between Dayton and Cincinnati along Interstate 75.

The co-chairs are: Adriana Inman of Winter Hill Technologies; Diana Gibbs of Time Warner Cable, and Rondi Tschopp of Five Visual Communication & Design.

This year's expo sponsors are Huntington Bank, Worker's Choice Health Services Inc. and the Cincinnati Marriott North.

Insurance and communications companies, workforce recruiting firms, banks, retirement centers, schools (Xavier University and Ohio State University) and financial services organizations also are participating.

SEBC Chamber Business Expo

What: Third annual Southeastern Butler County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday

Where: Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre

Who: 65 businesses are participating from Dayton to Northern Kentucky including Cincinnati Bell, Cinergy and Mercy Hospital Fairfield

Why: To make business connections - and this year, to eat. Free samples will be available from popular eateries such as Jag's Steak & Seafood, Encore Cafe and Dented Silo Pub. Admission is free. Details: (513) 777-3600.

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E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.