JOPLIN, Mo. —
Red Wing Shoes, a fixture in the Bel-Aire Shopping Center for years, was reduced to rubble by the May 22 tornado. The store was knocked down, but not out.
David Drake, manager of the store, is hoping to remind participants at today’s Business Expo that he has the steel-toed safety shoes and heavy-duty glasses that construction workers will need to rebuild Joplin.
“We lost 14 days and 95 percent of our goods,” he said. “But we’re back in business, and business has increased.” Red Wing Shoes has reopened in the Southside Shopping Center, 2914 E. 32nd St.
The store’s new location is not the only thing that Drake intends to promote during the Business Expo at the Joplin Holiday Inn Convention Center. Buddy Sims, who works with Drake, will let potential customers know that Red Wing Shoes has a mobile store — a trailer — that it can take directly to its customers.
“We can take our products right to them,” Sims said. “They won’t have to take off work to shop for shoes.”
To remind customers about how far the store has come since the tornado, Drake is displaying some pieces of his former store and a clock from the business that stopped running at 5:41 p.m. on May 22.
While Red Wing has had a booth at the Business Expo for more than 10 years, this will be the first year for Quality Exteriors, 602 S. Kentucky Ave. The business specializes in custom vinyl siding and windows, including the Pella brand.
Sammy Burks, the owner, said: “We have been on the list for this for numerous years, and we finally got in this year. It’s great exposure for your business.”
Burks said his company has been in business in Joplin for 15 years. The rebuilding of Joplin, he said, made 2011 “a banner year for us.”
Both Drake and Burks were setting up their displays Monday in preparation for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce event.
Ginger LaMar, with the chamber, said space for this year’s expo was sold out. There are about 200 exhibitors this year, including restaurants that will offer samples of their specialties. The theme is “Remember, Rebuild and Rejoice.” At least 20 exhibitors will be new this year.
Those attending will have an opportunity to register for a free trip to Cancun. Most booths give away items, such as pens and calendars.
LaMar said the tornado has influenced this year’s expo. She said insurance companies are showing how they have helped their clients rebuild. Banks are promoting their lending departments for those searching for a loan for rebuilding. Construction companies are promoting greener building products.
This year’s expo will feature the first “show coach.” It will showcase energy-efficient lighting offered by the H.E. Williams company.
Also setting up Monday was I3 Technology Group Inc., 1317 E. Fourth St. The business specializes in video surveillance, security systems and telephones.
“We offer all of these services at our business, but we can go anywhere,” said Jody Fletcher, with the company.
The company was responsible for setting up the telephone systems in the temporary schools that were opened after the tornado. It also has worked to help tornado-affected doctors set up their phone systems to help keep their doors open.
Expo hours
THE ANNUAL Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at the Holiday Inn Convention Center will open at noon today for the business community only. It concludes at 8 p.m. A business card is required for admission.
THE EXPO will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is $5.
Local News
Related Photos
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Buddy Sims, industrial salesman, places a clock on some other debris from the tornado-destroyed Red Wing Shoes in Joplin while setting up the store’s booth Monday for the Business Expo that will crank up today at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. The annual event staged by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce will be open to the public on Wednesday. GLOBE | T. ROB BROWN
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Sammy Burks, owner of Quality Exteriors in Joplin, hangs a banner Monday in preparation for the annual Joplin Business Expo. GLOBE | T. ROB BROWN
Discussion
Businesses gear up for expo exposure
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