The Hicksville Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for two major promotional events scheduled for February and March.

On Feb. 27, the chamber will host its 1st Annual "Happy Hour" Classic Networking Event. It will be held at the Imperial Manor, Bethpage. The purpose of this first-ever happy hour event is to enable local businesspeople to meet each other, share information, and introduce their goods and services.

"The event is free; all you need to bring is some conversation and your business cards. The first 100 businesses that wish to promote their business need only provide a door prize," announced the event's publicity spokesperson. "The door prize enables you to display information, brochures and promotional giveaways at the event. In addition, you will be invited to make a 60-second presentation about your business when you raffle your door prize." For more information about the Classic Networking Event, one may call the Hicksville Chamber office at 931-7170.

On March 23, the chamber will hold its 16th Annual Business Expo at the Broadway Mall. The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event provides an opportunity for local business people to display their products and/or services to shoppers at the mall. According to the chamber, increased name recognition, possible leads for future sales and community involvement are some of the benefits of participating.

In addition to the trade show, the event will feature entertainment, live music, a children's show and demonstrations.

Last year's expo, held in the rotunda area of the mall, was highly successful, with approximately 40 booths and large crowds of attendees throughout the day. Registration for this year's expo is now under way, and prospective exhibitors are asked to call the chamber office at 931-7170 for additional information.

-A.M.