Members of Thurston County Chamber will receive notification this week that the Business Showcase trade show held annually at Saint Martin's University for the past several years will not occur this autumn.

"A new provision by the state Department of Revenue has limited the use of Saint Martin's Worthington Pavilion," said Chamber CEO David Shaffert. "This limitation has resulted in the loss of the facility to be used for the Business Showcase."

Shaffert explained that the building, as part of a tax-exempt, not-for-profit institution, is limited by state tax rules in what purposes it can serve. Hosting a sales promotional trade show that serves private enterprise, for-profit businesses is now considered by regulators as outside of the acceptable uses.

The chamber considered using another venue for its successful one-day event but could not find any location large enough that would also be affordable. The organization executive said plans are being made to generate other opportunities for members to be visible with their products and services.

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