RINGGOLD, Ga. — Health, education, banking, governments, printing operations and the Battlefield Golf Club competed for attention from residents visiting the Catoosa Business Expo ’08 last week at the Colonnade.

Martha Eaker, president of the sponsoring Catoosa Chamber of Commerce, said 75 booth spaces were sold to business vendors this year.

“That’s the most we have had and one more than last year,” she said. “That’s good in a slow economy.”

It was good for the vendors too, said Stuart Phillips, director of admissions and career planning with Northwestern Technical College, which had a booth.

He said interest in what the school offers was good.

“This lets residents know we’re here and what we offer,” Mr. Phillips said. “The turnout has been excellent.”

Jim Stephens, senior partner with Battlefield Golf Club, and his son Adam, director of golf operations, were promoting memberships in the club that they purchased slightly more than a year ago.

“We’re promoting the new pool that should open by mid-June and the renovated clubhouse, banquets and catering,” the senior Mr. Stephens said.

At least two candidates for county political office used the Expo as and opportunity to greet some potential voters among the attendees and talk with display vendors from the Catoosa business community.

The Catoosa County booth provided information dealing with stormwater and how drought occurs.

Candie Robinson, owner of UnikTings, a home accent shop, said she had been in business less than one month when she decided to participate in the Expo last year.

“I’m back again this year because I believe it is a worthwhile investment,” she said.

Charlie Ritchey checked on some information at the Northwestern Technical College booth with daughter Morgan, a preschooler.

“She’s won’t be ready to sign up and check on courses there for a few years,” he said with a chuckle.

Mike Crane, with 4allthingsweb, said he took a booth in 2007 with the goal, as a small business owner, of securing one customer.

“At the end of the show, I made many great contacts that turned into 4 projects,” he said. “That’s why I’m back.”

Beth Roberson, chamber committee chairwoman for Expo ’08, said the annual event “is a perfect opportunity for networking.”