Submitted by the Thurston County Chamber
Think about this: Thurston County, the government entity, has over 15 different departments. Each one has a representative that is in charge of purchasing the goods and services that individual department needs; from office supplies to janitorial services; landscaping contractors to toilet paper.
Those government buyers have to follow protocol when they purchase those goods and services, and businesses that excel at connecting with those buyers and understanding their individual buying and bidding procedures have tapped into a phenomenal way to expand their market and grow their businesses.
Government procurement processes can be confusing, which often results in missed opportunities for local firms. In partnership with the Thurston EDC’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), we’ve revamped a long time event: South Sound Showcase: Procurement Expo 2014, formerly known as the Business Showcase, that continues to be successful & grow with many new vendors, excellent leads and more opportunities to grow your business.
Purchasers’ Row will provide local organizations with an opportunity to network and learn how to do business with local government buyers,” said Stephanie Scott of Washington PTAC. Purchasing representatives from local government and large businesses will staff information booths. Showcase attendees have the opportunity to stop at each booth making new contacts, networking with current customers, and learning more about the products and services these agencies need and want. The line-up of government buyers who have already agreed to attend includes: the City of Olympia, the City of Tumwater, the City of Lacey, LOTT, Intercity Transit, Port of Olympia, and Thurston County.
The Thurston Economic Development Council’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides local firms with an opportunity to expand business and contracting opportunities with federal, state, and local governments. It has proven to be a valuable and powerful program to open these markets for employers in our community.
Returning from 2013, we will publish a South Sound Showcase Procurement Directory that includes contact information for each business that has a booth at Showcase. This is a valuable marketing opportunity for businesses because it sits on the purchaser’s desk for the rest of the year.
South Sound Showcase: Procurement Expo 2014 is on Tuesday, October 7 at Saint Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion in Lacey. To purchase a booth, contact: Alisha Blain, Events Coordinator at the Chamber at 360.357.3362 or events@thurstonchamber.com.
