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Schaumburg Business Association puts twist on annual expo

The Schaumburg Business Association put a new engine and set of tires on the old business expo concept Thursday night.

Taking at least a year off from its traditional expo, the SBA instead presented a souped-up version of its monthly Business After Hours with a Pinewood Derby competition exclusively for its adult members.

Thirty businesses still took advantage of the opportunity to reach out to potential new customers with tables and booths. But there was a new and different source of energy with the focus kept on the design and speed of the handmade cars.

The event was sponsored by Resnick Automotive Group, hosted in the warehouse of MTA Advanced Automotive Solutions and overseen by the Pinewood Derby expertise of local Boy Scout troop leaders.

Even Iron Man showed up to endorse the event.

“We kind of have the best of all worlds put together,” said event co-chair Jeff Miller, who owns the Schaumburg business Divine Signs.

Miller said he came up with the Pinewood Derby idea, and joked that his reward was then being asked to organize it.

But it seemed to be a hit with the many participants and spectators who attended.

“It's a perfect way to rejuvenate a November event,” Schaumburg Park District Director of Communications and Corporate Relations Pat Casler said. “You've got to mix it up a little.”

Miller's fellow co-chair, Tom Anderson, said they're already considering the possibility of making the Pinewood Derby an annual event.

“Being the first time out, we're learning a lot,” he said.

SBA Membership Director Lisa Gilbert said she expects to hear soon about the potential longevity of the event.

“We're going to wait and see what our members think,” she said. “Our members are always thinking outside the box.”

After 48 heats, the car sponsored and designed by Starpoint Digital was declared the winner of the derby among 41 entries. The final four was rounded out by Links Technology, the Schaumburg Park District and Entre Commercial Realty.

There were 10 design categories as well, including Best Engineered, Most Unique, Most Feminine and Best Schaumburg Theme.

  Iron Man oversees the start of another heat of the Schaumburg Business Association’s Grand Prix Auto Derby Thursday night at MTA Advanced Automotive Solutions in Schaumburg. Eric Peterson/epeterson@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg Business Association Membership Director Lisa Gilbert sets out the trophies for the design categories of the SBA’s Grand Prix Auto Derby Thursday night at MTA Advanced Automotive Solutions in Schaumburg. Eric Peterson/epeterson@dailyherald.com
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