"It just caught fire," said Betty Gentry when talking about her idea of holding an expo to promote business in Barren County.

Little did she know, it would turn into the huge South Central Kentucky Business Expo.

"We started our business on the faith that if you work hard and network with other people it'll grow," said co-creator Sheila Pruitt.

This is the second year the Barren County Chamber of Commerce has held the Expo. In its first year, around 40 vendors showed up. This year, Pruitt says 71 have jumped on board.

"And that's what we're trying to get forth to all the other businesses in our area," she said. "You have to network."

The Expo is also used as a way to get people more involved in their community by knowing what it has to offer.

"We give you an opportunity to visit with 70 businesses who are captive ready and willing to listen to what you have to do," said Ernie Meyer, Vice President and CEO of the Barren County Chamber of Commerce. "They want to sell you product; you want to sell them product and services. It's a win-win situation for everybody."

"You'll know what's offered here; some things you really may not have been aware of," Gentry said."

The South Central Kentucky Business Expo is Tuesday, February 28th from noon until 6pm at the Cave City Convention Center.

For more information, visit the Expo's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sckbe