The economic downturn may have slowed the home-building industry, but this weekend it will be business as usual for the 2010 Home Expo at the Georgia Mountains Center.

The expo, which is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Gainesville-Hall County, has been an annual event for the past several decades and will showcase a variety of exhibitors.

“The (expo) is alive and well,” said Van Neese, association executive officer.

“We will have a real diverse group. There will be everything from carpeting and insulation to security systems and landscaping.”

The purpose of the expo is to give community members useful information and resources for every aspect of building and maintenance.

On top of exhibitors, there also will be seminars on topics such as gardening and home staging.

“We always try to do things better each year. We always add things. If it works we carry it forward, but if it doesn’t we change it,” said Neese.

“This year, we’ve added an artists’ exhibit, with artists displaying some of their work to add a little flavor to the show. There will also be a kids corner with activities, so that parents can leave their children and enjoy the show unencumbered, if they want to.”

Attendees also will be able to receive information about making their homes more environmentally friendly and discover recent changes in home technology.

Although the home-construction market isn’t as robust as it used to be, exhibitors are prepared to handle business when things picks up, Neese said.

“The people who are still doing business (in this economy) are the survivors. The need for these individuals never goes away — it may be diminished temporarily, but it never goes away. The businesses that are represented at the show are alive and well. When you need their products and services, they’ll be the ones to deliver,” Neese said.

“The market will turn around and when it does, these are the people that you want to deal with. They are the strongest, handle their businesses most efficiently and are true professionals.”