Republic Business Expo draws 500

Businesspeople were all smiles for the March 16 Republic Business Expo at Republic Elementary School III. Clockwise from top left: Realtors Mary Nell Ebert, Matthew Henry and Cheryl Ormsby of North Pointe Realty report that residential development is healthy and growing as more people "discover" Republic. Jennifer Plimmer, Republic Chamber of Commerce executive director, says final attendance at the expo hit about 500 people with 70 exhibitors. Charlie Denison, one of several candidates for public office at the expo, has a friendly greeting and handshake for all. Deborah Demanche, vice president of Town and Country Bank of the Ozarks, happily talks to visitors about her home-grown, investor-owned bank. Joyce Ivy and Christine Parks of US Bank formerly Firstar show off the U.S. Bank logo, which debuted in the region March 15. Artist Nancy Rose, of Rosewood Art & Frame, shows off one of her fine art portraits. Rose also teaches painting. Casie Dake, BSW, and Denise Burris, BSW, welcome visitors to the Sonshine Manor booth.