The best that Belize produces will be on display this weekend at the fourth annual Belize Producers Convention and Exhibition. It is called BELPRO CONEX for short and organizers say it is more than just a trade show. Keith Swift reports from the Princess Hotel.
Keith Swift Reporting,
From the ubiquitous BTL with their always centrally located boot to Atlantic Bank. And from tuxedos by the Belize Dry Cleaners to toilet paper from Roses. And from Marie Sharpe's hot pepper to Lea's furniture.... if it is made in Belize then it will be on display at the Belize Producers Convention and Exhibition.
Luz Hunter, BELPRO CONEX
"It is a show for Belizean producers so I don't think you will find any imported items here unless there are related to a service."
KS: So it is all local?
Luz Hunter,
"All local, strictly Belizean: made in Belize, produced in Belize, and services offered by organizations in Belize."
"The weekend we are having exhibitors coming from all over the country to show us what they are doing, what their products are and their services. And as you can see there a lot of activities and people are busy setting up their booths and bringing out the best."
And producers like Lea's Furniture which came all the way from Cayo say they made the trip all the way down to Belize City bringing this rocking chair even with them for one reason...and that's promotion.
Alicia B. Cambranes, Lea’s Furniture
"Promotion, promotion and getting our name out to the public. We want to become what you call a household name. When you think furniture the first thing you think is Lea's. That is what we want to do and that is why we come to every show."
Elma Reimer, Tradiitonal Quilting
"I heard the news on the radio and I thought it would be a good chance to let others see and know what we are doing."
Elmer Reimer and her daughters made the trip from Spanish Lookout to display their quilts the product of hours of hand detailing. For them this show is a first while next door for hot sauce legend Marie Sharpe, her participation in the CONEX is a tradition. Sharpe says her climb to the top has been steep and she spoke of the lessons in her success.
Marie Sharpe,
"They would have to aim at producing quality products and quality consistent products. They have to be consistent because you can’t have it good one day and not good the other day, it has to be consistent. So quality good consistent products and at the same time competitive."
KS: Do you think you paved the way for other Belizean producers given your recent success in getting your product in Wal-Mart?
Marie Sharpe,
"Well I would certainly hope so; I would like to think so and I would like to hopefully see that come about."
And learning from legends like Marie Sharpe is just what CONEX is about. Sure there will be deals but more than just a trade show, organizer Luz Hunter says it is a convention for producers to share secrets of the trade.
Luz Hunter,
"Most of the owners or managers of a business will be here showing what they do so it is a learning experience. The people talk a lot about what is in their booths and then they walk around and talk to other exhibitors and it is an exchange of knowledge and information. It is a really good business atmosphere."
So for the three dollar entrance free yes you will find great deals this weekend and you might also learn something.
The BELPRO CONEX opened this evening and it runs through to Sunday. Admission is 3 dollars for adults and a dollar for children.