A Solid Foundation: Why the St. Thomas Home Show Works for Small Business For small businesses looking to grow their customer base, boost visibility, and make meaningful connections, the St. Thomas Elgin Home Show, running April 10 to 12 at the Joe Thornton Community Centre, offers a powerful opportunity. Hosted by the St. Thomas Elgin Home Builders’ Association, the annual event brings together homeowners, decision-makers, and industry professionals under one roof, and it continues to demonstrate and prove why in-person events still matter. Kimberley Gordon, St. Thomas Elgin Home Show Coordinator, notes that the show’s core goal is simple yet impactful: to support local businesses of all sizes. “This allows for new leads, repeat customers, and opportunities for new jobs or sales,” she explains. “We also want to make sure our small home-based businesses and service or non-profit groups have a place to be seen and heard within the community.” To support that mission, the show offers affordable table options, ensuring accessibility for smaller vendors and organizations. The audience itself is another major draw. Kimberley notes that attendees range from those building or buying new homes to homeowners planning renovations, seeking services, or shopping for products on site. “We work hard at creating a show with a variety of vendors for everyone to come, learn, and enjoy,” she says. That diversity means businesses aren’t just talking to browsers, they’re meeting people actively looking to make decisions. For first-time exhibitors, the benefits can be especially significant. Beyond customer exposure, Kimberley points to the value of networking with fellow vendors. “The biggest benefit is the exposure of not only the attendees, but other vendors, making connections with your company,” she says. “This show can produce leads and jobs for your upcoming season.” The Home Show highlights the lasting power of face-to-face interaction. Kimberley believes these personal conversations help customers truly understand a business and what it offers, often leading to long-term loyalty. The value, she says, comes in many forms: immediate sales; brand awareness; and relationships that can lead to multiple projects down the road. To help exhibitors succeed, the Home Show team provides strong support before and during the event, with detailed communication, clear setup guidance, and on-site coordination. It’s that level of care that Kimberley says she loves most, creating a space where vendors feel supported as they build their businesses. Angela Devries, CEO of the St. Thomas Elgin Home Builders’ Association, adds that the show reaches up to 5,000 people over the weekend, including the public and fellow exhibitors. She notes that the event has been held for more than 20 years, with 2025 marking the 15th anniversary at the Joe Thornton Community Centre, underscoring its lasting impact.“This show can produce leads and jobs for your upcoming season.” For small businesses ready to be seen, heard, and remembered, the St. Thomas Home Show continues to be a proven place to start. For more information, go to www.stthomashomeshow.org.
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Hometown St. Thomas • March 2026 • Page 35
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