More than 100 companies attended the annual event to market themselves.

By Don Shilling

More than 100 companies attended the annual event to market themselves.

YOUNGSTOWN — Brochures, pens and business cards weren’t all that was handed out at this year’s Business Showcase.

Among the 108 companies with display booths Thursday at the Chevrolet Centre were two that were offering something different: advice.

For the first time, two business coaching companies attended the Regional Chamber’s annual networking event.

Harold Davis, a former partner at Yurchyk and Davis CPA’s in Canfield, set up a booth to talk to people about his new business, H.D. Davis Associates in Liberty.

He meets with small business owners to help them assess how their business is doing and how their personality impacts their operations. Davis said he got the idea after meeting with a personal trainer for physical fitness and being motivated to work harder at staying fit.

“Now you have someone that you have to be accountable to,” he said.

Davis said the Business Showcase was helping him spread the work about his new business. He started the company in January after selling his ownership stake in the accounting firm to some younger accountants.

Pat Kearney, co-owner of the Growth Coach in Niles, said her partner started the business five years ago, but they decided this year they could reach new clients through the Business Showcase.

“This is our target market — small businesses,” Kearney said.

She joined the business this year. She also is a title attorney and owns Title Professionals in Warren. The business was started by Traci Miller, who also owns Color 3 Embroidery in Niles.

The Growth Coach is a franchise, with the parent company based in Dayton.

Kearney said the coaches work with business owners to set their goals and vision, instead of focusing only on day-to-day operations. A lack of strategic planning causes many businesses to fail, she said.

Among the other companies with booths were marketing firms, banks and office product retailers.

Between 700 and 900 people were expected to attend the free event, said Helen Paes, vice president of public relations and external alliances for the chamber. About 700 also were expected to attend a mixer Thursday night at the Chevrolet Centre.

Alex Dankovich, owner of WIN Home Inspection in Canfield, said he would be at both events. He said customers often ask him to give recommendations for home repairs, loans and other services. He said he likes to know the companies before he recommends them.

He said he is impressed with the show that fills up the main floor inside the arena.

“It’s very nice here. It feels like you are in a big city,” he said.

shilling@vindy.com