Community Business Fair to highlight local businesses, offer discounts

Oakland University students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to check out the products and services of area businesses, as well as receive discounts, during the Community Business Fair sponsored by University Relations. The event is set from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Gold Rooms of the Oakland Center (OC).

ATS Printing and the OU Branch of the MSU Federal Credit Union will give away T-shirts to the first 100 visitors to their booth. ATS will raffle off additional clothing items with OU imprints.

“Many of the businesses attending are participating in this year’s GO Card community discount program, so it’s nice that we can provide them with this added opportunity to reach students, faculty and staff,” said Laura Mutz, communications director for University Relations.

“We’re encouraging local businesses to make contact with and recruit students while they’re on campus for internships and employment opportunities,” Mutz said. “Many businesses could benefit from the energy, enthusiasm and technology skills that college-level students bring to the workplace. It’s a matter of making those connections and the business fair is a place where that can take place.”

The fair is held as part of “Make the Commuter Connection Day” hosted by the Center for Student Activities and is designed to familiarize students with Oakland’s student organizations and campus activities, as well as the local community. An Open Enrollment, Benefits and Wellness Fair for employees will also be held in the OC from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Make the Commuter Connection Day is a day we traditionally set aside to show appreciation for commuter students,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities. “There will be a Stress-Free Zone (to relax and have quiet fun making Halloween crafts), free popcorn, cider and donuts, candy and giveaways in the Fireside Lounge.”

In addition, several student services and organizations will provide useful information and resources ranging from flu shots (if available) and breast cancer awareness information to gardening and herbal tea tips.