Energy felt in the air at Schaumburg business expo

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	At left, Schaumburg Business Association President Kaili Harding greets attendees during the Schaumburg Business Association business expo Thursday at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. At right, Amanda Thomsen, from left, Nina Bongiovanni and Brian Vasquez staff the Par Logistics booth at the expo.   JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer
	Amanda Thomsen, from left, Nina Bongiovanni and Brian Vasquez staff the Par Logistics booth during the Schaumburg Business Association business expo at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.   JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer
	Andi Keca of the Keller Graduate School of Management speaks with Jason Gerren and Shica Povich of Lucky Strike Lanes during the Schaumburg Business Association expo Thursday. Story on Page 4   JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

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Many exhibitors at the Schaumburg Business Association Expo Thursday said they could feel an energy in the room.

"There's positive mojo here. The general energy in this room is high," said exhibitor Jeff Shihadeh of Window Works in Arlington Heights.

SBA President Kaili Harding agreed. "It gives me a lot of energy to be here," she said of the event described as the largest business after hours featuring local restaurants offering samples and beverages.

"This is like our Super Bowl. It's our big event," Harding said of the expo held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg. Maybe Gary Fencik, 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champ, set that tone serving as the keynote speaker for the event that was expected to draw about 2,000 attendees.

Fencik addressed an array of topics from business, his Super Bowl season and the concussion issue which is getting so much attention right now.

"Gary Fencik was a great speaker," said Brian Burke, president and CEO of Links Technology Solutions, as he networked at the expo.

"This is a very positive way for a business to build its image," he said of the event.

About 110 businesses, ranging from Costco to Chick-fil-A to graphic design firms, participated in the event where attendees were asked to donate non perishable items or make a $5 donation in order to enter. Proceeds went directly to the District 54 Food Pantry and Schaumburg Food Pantry.

And for attendees who wanted to get rid of a little energy, a bounce house, or moon walk was set up for jumping.