A MidSummer Marketer's Dream

Regional businesses had their chance to shine at the Midsummer Marketing Showcase Thursday afternoon. Clustered in Palmer Square, the booths featured a variety of attractions, such raffles, free food and a pirate treasure chest.
Businesses that displayed their goods and services ranged from healthcare providers such as Genesis HealthCare, to restaurants such as the newly-opened Qdoba, to animals shelters like SAVE.
 
The showcase was held mainly to promote business. “This is a good way to tell people about the services we offer” said Jeanie Velez of Genesis HealthCare. “I’m here to tell people about our facility. We provide respite care, when caregivers need a break and nursing. We also do rehab-physical and occupational therapy.”

Representatives of Opera NJ agreed that the showcase was a good way to attract customers, saying, “This is our summer season. We’re here to make ourselves known, to make ourselves presentable.”

The showcase was not limited to businesses, however. Author David Gray was present to display and publicize his new book Escape From Verona Part 2. He said, “This book is the story of Romeo and Juliet who don’t die. I’m hoping people will learn about my books today and will go online and buy them.” Gray said he believed that the showcase was helpful, saying, “Lots of people have walked by and are very curious.”

Passersby were attracted to the showcase by the loud music and the crowd surrounding Palmer Square. Shelby Yvon, a resident of Princeton said, “I just walked into Princeton, heard the music and saw the all the people.” She also thought that the showcase was effective, saying, “I’m getting a good idea of what kinds of food the restaurants around here provide.” Elizabeth Casparian, another Princeton resident, agreed: “In some ways, I am learning more.”
 
The Mid-Summer Marketing Showcase was presented by the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce.