Nixa chamber postpones business event

The Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce has postponed one of its largest events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chris Russell, president of the Nixa chamber, said its 25th annual Nixpo Business and Community Expo event that had been scheduled March 21 is now slated to be held Aug. 8. He said the chamber met with health care, government, school and other professionals to make the determination.

“It’s a tough situation,” he said. “You don’t want to cause panic within the business community.”

Melissa McCormick, the chamber’s vice president of membership, said 120 booths had been sold for the planned event at the Nixa High School.

In addition to health concerns, Russell said the chamber’s responsible to push the best possible attendance for the event to help businesses gain returns on their investments.

“We were sold out,” he said, estimating the chamber secures $40,000-$50,000 from Nixpo.

The coronavirus would have impacted attendance, he said.

Last year, Russell said at least 3,300 people attended the event, though the tally might be short because of technical issues. McCormick estimated this year’s event would draw 3,000 to 5,000 guests.

Russell said the chamber’s biggest event is the Sucker Days Music, Arts, & Crafts Festival, which this year is scheduled May 15-16. He said planning is still moving forward for those dates.