Development of natural gas resources in the Marcellus Shale region will provide significant opportunities for a range of local businesses.

The Central Susquehanna Business to Business Oil and Gas Expo, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Saturday at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds, Hughesville, will help connect those businesses with gas companies that could use their services.

"This is not an employment expo," said Mary B. Wolf, a spokesperson for event co-sponsor Anadarko Petroleum Corp. "This is a giant networking event for businesses who want to do business in the Marcellus Shale."

According to Wolf, the opportunities for businesses to capitalize on gas development is vast. Businesses that may not think they have anything to offer might be surprised at the scope of services needed by the gas industry.

"There are a wide range of companies that can be of service to the gas drilling industry. It doesn't have to be something directly related to gas development," she said. "It could be printing, clothing or temporary employment agencies."

Penn State Cooperative Extension educator Thomas Murphy agreed.

"There are different services that go hand in hand with any large industry, and the gas industry is no different," Murphy said.

According to Murphy, the expo can benefit local businesses and the industry alike because many gas industry companies are not from the area and are unfamiliar with the businesses that can help them.

"A lot of the major players in the industry are coming in from out of state or other regions of the state and don't know who the local business contacts are," he said.

Event sponsors include Anadarko Petroleum Corp., Jersey Shore State Bank, Small Business Development Center, the Marcellus Shale Committee, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Access to the event is via the fairgrounds Gate 8 entrance.

The event is free.