By Jessica Dillon
The Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fast Track trade show returned March 3-4 with a patriotic theme highlighting the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
The event opened with a VIP night March 3, followed by the public show March 4. About 90 businesses and organizations set up exhibits, drawing roughly 2,000 attendees.
Decorations throughout the venue reflected the theme, with red, white and blue displays and booths celebrating American history.
“The America 250 inspired theme really connected with people,” said Andrew Doss, president of The Colonel George Waller Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution. “It reminded us that the anniversary is about bridging the American Revolution with the many achievements that have followed, and recognizing that communities like ours have been part of that story from the beginning.”
Brenell Thomas, president of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce which hosted the event, said organizers aimed to create a celebratory atmosphere from the start.
“We tried to set the tone from the moment you entered the show with the celebratory decorations,” Thomas said. “If you made your way to the back of the third room you saw some of the organizations who made it their job to celebrate history.”
Many exhibitors offered games, giveaways and prize drawings for visitors.
The West Piedmont Planning District Commission hosted a fishing-themed game where participants used a magnet to “catch” wooden fish, with honey as a prize. Autos By Nelson featured a trading card-style game highlighting its truck drivers. Other booths offered drawings for items such as gift baskets and televisions.
Food and drinks during the VIP night were provided by Palumbo’s, TAD Tavern, Railway Cafe, Sugar Street Bakery, Hamlet Vineyards and Scuffle Hill Brewing.
Awards were presented to exhibitors at the end of the event.
In the for-profit category, Meeks Recycling and Salvage placed third, Havenmore Realty placed second, and Greg James Insurance took first place.
Greg James said winning the award was “the best day of my life, times two.”
In the nonprofit category, the West Piedmont Planning District Commission placed third, Henry County Public Schools placed second, and the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society won first place.
The Exhibitor’s Choice Award went to Piedmont Realty, while Martinsville City Public Schools received the Best in Show ribbon.
“It was a delightful surprise and an incredible honor for our booth to be selected Best in Show at this year’s Fast Track,” said Callie Heitala, the school division’s communications and community outreach coordinator. “This year, I really wanted to celebrate the legacy of Martinsville City Public Schools, because I know how much these schools, our history, and our accomplishments past and present mean to our community.”
Thomas said the event drew positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors.
“I thought it was a huge success. We had a good mix of exhibitors representing the diverse industries in our community,” Thomas said.
Fast Track will return March 2-3, 2027.
Businesses and organizations from across the region participated in the Fast Track trade show hosted by the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. Plans are already underway for the show to return next year.
