The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Business Showcase today to feature the businesses and economic resources of Hall County.

More than 80 booths displaying the products and services of local businesses and nonprofit agencies, small and large, will set up at the Georgia Mountains Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Display booths range from local art galleries, printers, gardeners, banks and restaurants to assisted living facilities.

"It’s a way to showcase different businesses in the community to the public," said Kit Dunlap, chamber president and CEO. "It’s also a networking opportunity for these businesses to get together and get to know one another."

Business seminars will take place throughout the day, including a seminar at noon conducted by the Gainesville Water Task Force to advise businesses on how to incorporate water conservation into their daily practices.

And, for the first time, the exposition will offer business advice through the Small Business Resource Fair.

Representatives from the Georgia Department of Economy will join the staff of the local Small Business Development Center in providing information on how to start a small business in Hall County, as well as how to obtain state and local funding for small businesses and how to help them grow.

"Anyone who’s looking to do business locally is welcome to come," said Robyn Lynch, vice president of membership development for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. "The resource fair will help with business plans, finding a good location for your business and how to get financial backing."

Entrance to booth displays and the Small Business Resource Fair is free.

After business hours, the chamber will host an annual auction catered by Scott’s on the Square. Lynch said chamber members and their guests are invited to the after hours auction, where business services and a quail hunt will be auctioned off.

Lynch said she expects more than 1,000 people to attend the showcase today.