COEUR d’ALENE — The Hayden Chamber of Commerce's Connecting Community and Business Expo Fair on Wednesday showcased 42 businesses.

Last year, it was 24.

Andrea Fulks, chamber president and CEO, was pleased so many wanted to be part of the event at the Silver Lake Mall.

It’s a bit of vindication for the business organization that's out there beating the pavement — networking, promoting, emailing and calling — on behalf of its members.

The chamber wants to give business owners every opportunity to thrive in a competitive market and uncertain national economy.

“If you say the Hayden chamber never did anything for me, I’m going to kick your butt,” Fulks said, laughing.

The message is getting through as the Hayden chamber is attracting about 10 new members a month.

Bakeries, banks, credit unions, telecommunications companies and health-care professionals filled the mall to highlight products and services during the annual fair that attracted more than 100 people in the first hour.

Guests wandered from booth to booth and picked up freebies like shoehorns and needle-shaped pens from Heritage Health. They also played blackout bingo to win prizes and landed some good deals along the way.

“Lots of new faces for sure,” said Lauren Martin, STCU member relationship officer.

Fulks said while other area chambers held similar expos in the spring, she opted for late summer.

The results indicated it was a sound strategy.

"These are people who really want to get the word out about their businesses,” Fulks said.