Armenian Expo

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NORTHEAST GLENDALE -- Organizers of this weekend's first Armenian Expo hope all their hard work bears fruit. Or shoes. Or macaroni. Or mineral water.

"It's very important in terms of getting Armenian exports beefed up," said Vigen Ghazarian, a civil engineer who sits on the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce board of directors. "This is not going to make or break Armenia, but it's one way of helping Armenians create jobs."

"Made in Armenia," is expected to draw as many as 10,000 people Saturday and Sunday at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. The expo is sponsored in part by the Glendale-based Armenian American chamber, and will feature vendor booths and seminars on importing and exporting Armenian-made products to the U.S.

Nearly two dozen Armenian companies are expected to have representatives at the expo, along with another 18 U.S. companies already importing products from Armenia.

 

The companies manufacture everything from Armenian chocolates bars and tobacco to software and souvenirs.

Manufacturers of food, liquor, carpet and textiles will also be among those showcasing their products to what organizers hope is a wide range of buyers.

"Our primary goal is to link these companies with distributors and importers," Ghazarian said, "and to get the general public accustomed to these products so that they know what kind of products Armenian companies are capable of exporting."

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Made in Armenia Expo 2001.

* WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

* WHERE: Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road.

* WHO: Representatives from 40 Armenian companies and U.S. affiliates that manufacture Armenian products.

* COST: $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and children 7 and-under.

* INFO: 240-9200 or 243-5842.