It's a good chance to get to know the local businesses this weekend in Portage la Prairie.

The Portage and District Chamber of Commerce's hosting their second annual Home and Business Expo at Stride Place. Executive Director Cindy McDonald's looking forward to another big weekend.

"It happens Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then Saturday, April 22nd, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We have over 50 businesses and organizations that are attending to showcase what they do. It's free admission for everyone so we encourage everybody to come out and visit the businesses and see what we have to offer in our great community."

McDonald says one of their biggest exhibitors is Portage Toyota and RV this year, and many other great local businesses are also involved.

"I think it's very important for the businesses to be a part of the expo, so they can get out there and showcase what they have," adds McDonald. "Last year people were walking around saying they didn't know this was here, or that was here, so the visibility is huge. For what you get for the marketing to be in front of over 1000 people in one weekend, you can't do that anywhere else. The economic impact comes full circle here."

She adds it is free for everyone to attend and they'll be celebrating Earth Day on Saturday.

"We're doing some things for that as well. We're accepting electronic waste that day, plastic bags, and we will give you a little token to take away. We're giving away canvas bags, reusable shopping bags, in lieu of your bags and electronic waste."