The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is showcasing the region’s best businesses at its 22^nd annual Business Expo from 1-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7 at the La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road. The expo provides the public with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the companies that provide products and services in their community. It presents a laid back environment to do businesses, with no hard sells. Microsoft will be holding a Windows 8 Preview Party. Visit the Microsoft Store booth at the expo to test-drive lighting-fast ultrabooks, laptops and Windows phones, and preview the much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system. There will also be prizes. Past expos have drawn more than 1,000 attendees from throughout the county. The event is presented La Costa Resort and Spa, the Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance, the San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Gas and Electric. For more information, call the chamber at 760-931-8400 or visit www.carlsbad.org. Click here for a free admission ticket ($10 value).