By Hillary Gavan
For StatelineBusiness

ROCKTON - From museum workers to financial planners and designer glass makers, all types of vendors were peddling their wares this weekend at the 17th Annual RO/RO Expo.

Held on March 15 and 16 at the Hononegah High School Dome, the RO/RO Expo is a business expo held jointly by Rockton and Roscoe. The event attracted thousands of visitors over the weekend, according to Rockton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Lamb.

"Traffic was as good or better than last year," Lamb said. "We are allowing sales this year and it seems to be going well."

Lamb noted that there were 70 new vendors this year and a total of 162 total vendors.

Tammy Schindler and Ron Jeffrey, financial advisers with Edwards Jones, were thrilled with the amount of people passing by their booth and talking to them. Because of a raffle held at the booth, they got even more visitors and talked to hundreds of people on Saturday alone.

Jeffrey said many people were concerned about the market and he had the opportunity to ease their fears a bit.

"People are jittery, but now is a good time to buy," Jeffrey said.

Schindler said a lot of people were expressing interest in college savings plans and IRAs. Jeffrey noted that municipal bonds for projects such as O'Hare Airport in Chicago and Illinois State University were hot items up for discussion at the booth.

Dave and Kris Alter from Cherry Valley were some of the curious attendees stopping by the Edwards Jones booth and ambling through RO/RO. Planning to do some remodeling, the couple said they wanted to see what their options are. Kris Alter said she hoped to find some organic products to purchase as well.

"We come every year to see the new products and see what's out there," Kris Alter said. "You can get a little sample of products. If you like them you have the contacts to get more."

Keith and Arnetta Hirschey of SGO Designer Glass in Beloit were also making valuable contacts at the show. The couple had made several contacts from RO/RO. They both agreed that business expos are an excellent way to advertise.

"This is the best way to get people's attention," Keith Hirschey said. "This way people can touch and feel."

The Hirscheys were really glad to have the opportunity to meet and connect face-to-face with those attending RO/RO. They were telling attendees about their most recent project, windows lining the top of Faith Lutheran Church in South Beloit. Each window at the church had been dedicated as a memorial. One man reported to the Hirscheys about his experience seeing the light pour through the shepherd window.

The Hirscheys have been to several expos in the area this spring, but hope that there will be more business expos in the late summer and early fall.

Because people often redecorate for the holidays, the Hirscheys said having fall shows could really help businesses.

P.J. Francis and his wife Helena Francis, dressed in 1880 to 1910 style dress, were at the show to promote Midway Village Museum in Rockford. P.J. Francis, who works at the museum as a historical re-enactor, wasn't looking for business. He was hoping to attract more volunteers to the museum.

He said the museum has 27 historic buildings including a jail, fire station and store. Because of the diversity of exhibits, Francis said there is room for just about anyone to volunteer either a couple days a year or more.

"Whatever is your interest, we are always looking for new ideas," P.J. Francis said.