More than 4,000 people turned out at the Clinton County Economic Partnership EXPO Wednesday at Lock Haven University Student Recreation Center. A total of 93 businesses and organizations took part in the annual event now in its 23rd year. MAUREEN ACQUINO/THE EXPRESS

LOCK HAVEN — Sunny skies, warm weather and smiling faces greeted more than 4,000 guests to the 2008 Clinton County Economic Partnership EXPO Wednesday. “Call it a homecoming,” said EXPO Chairman Wade Keiffer at the opening ceremonies.

Keiffer said it was a homecoming for not only the exhibitors who have come for the past 23 years, but also for those who make the EXPO so successful.

“Without the support of Lock Haven University we would not have a place to hold this event,” Keiffer said. The EXPO, which saw about 93 businesses participate, was held at the Student Recreation Center for the second year.

But what makes this year’s EXPO so different this year is the exhibitors’ desire to involve the community in a time of economic slump.

Omega Bank, which will be merging with First National Bank in the next few weeks, is offering new campaigns and products targeted to customers over the age of 50.