By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
An April 2 event at the Holiday Inn in Salisbury will provide information for any Rowan County business interested in winning government contracts for projects created by the $787 billion federal stimulus or the $3.6 trillion proposed federal budget.
Registration and a continental breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Salisbury for the program titled, “Tapping the Billion$: Make the Government Your Customer.”
There is no cost for participants.
The Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Small Business Center have organized the program.
Duke Energy and the Rowan Jobs Initiative are sponsors.
Business representatives will learn how to navigate federal, state and local government procurement systems to obtain government contracts. Participants also will hear Rowan County success stories from local businesses or organizations that received government bid awards or funding.
Participants will:
– Learn what new business opportunities will be generated by the economic stimulus package and increased federal budget spending;
– Set meetings with procurement specialists who can streamline and reduce the registration process;
– Receive tips and resources to register, bid and ultimately win new government funded contracts as a direct vendor or subcontractor.
All registrants will receive a “Tapping the Billion$” resource guide that will provide key contacts, informational links and assistance information.
Speakers will include Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, associate professor of political science at Catawba College.
Bitzer will deliver the keynote speech at 8 a.m., breaking down the stimulus legislation into understandable terms.
After the keynote speech, participants may select a breakout session pertaining to their specific industry.
Those attending have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the N.C. Military Business Center, N.C. State Government Purchasing Office, N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center, N.C. Department of Transportation, U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. General Services Administration.
Also in attendance will be representatives from supporting organizations such as the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, the RCCC Small Business Center and the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Register online at www.SellToGovRowan.com. For more information, contact Robert Van Geons, executive director of the EDC, at 704-637-5526.