About 50 businesses and organizations from Yuma, Somerton and San Luis joined up for networking at the 7th Annual Somerton Business Expo at the Cocopah Casino in late September.
Industries such as media, real estate and clothing stores were represented and the overall message for the day was shop local and be rewarded.
Michael Martinez, manager for the 24/7 Get Fit gym in the Yuma Foothills, said events like the expo are great for local business owners to support one another. 24/7 Get Fit also has locations in Somerton and San Luis.
"We're all locally owned," Martinez said. "You don't have to worry about spending your money and having it go somewhere else. Everything is going to be reinvested here in the community."
Stephanie Pereda, the executive director for the Somerton Chamber of Commerce, said the expo helps grow the local economy.
"We should shop from (locally-owned businesses) because they have really good services and products to offer the community," Pereda said.