Beach gets down to business

Paul Clinton

Local businesses will have a chance to show off their goods later

this month at the annual “Business at the Beach” expo.

The expo, scheduled for Feb. 19 and put on by the Newport Beach

Chamber of Commerce, is expected to attract more than 500 visitors to

the Newport Beach Marriott & Tennis Club, where it will be held for

the first time. About 70 local businesses will offer booths laying

out their particular offerings, said Doug Stuckey, the chamber’s

public affairs director.

“We make it a locals-only business exposition, just to showcase

their goods and services to local people,” Stuckey said. “Hopefully,

it’s more of a social business atmosphere and will really give people

a feel for what is offered in the Newport Beach area.”

Chamber leaders have scheduled the event for 5 p.m. that

Wednesday. The hotel is at 900 Newport Center Drive, along the outer

ring of Fashion Island.

A slew of local businesses are expected to shell out $300 or $650

for booths. About 10 slots are still available, Stuckey said.

Mortgage brokers, Hoag Hospital, the Balboa Bay Club -- which has

hosted several events in prior years -- restaurants and cruise liners

are some of the businesses expected to have booths.

The event is co-sponsored by Pacific Coast Credit Union, Marriott,

Newport Beach and the Daily Pilot.

Kevin Lorton, director of sales and marketing for Hornblower

Cruises & Events, said his company will have a booth.

“Our booth is basically going to provide as much information about

the services we provide,” Lorton said. “This is a more casual setting

to mingle with people who are our neighbors.”

Hornblower offers private and public charter cruises in Newport

Harbor.

Ray Saporita, who owns Impact Graphics and DeSign on Mariner’s

Mile, said the event is a good way to meet future customers or

business contacts.

Saporita had a booth in last year’s event, but isn’t scheduled to

have one this year.

“This is a good face-to-face [event],” Saporita said. “I don’t see

anything that gives you better bang for the buck.”