FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: DMS Communications, 850-921-5266

Networking Conference Connects Northeast Florida Businesses with State and Local Buyers
Event will cultivate economic opportunities for women-, veteran-, and minority-business owners

JACKSONVILLE, March 26, 2014 – Northeast Florida Regional MatchMaker attendees will receive free educational workshops and meet face-to-face with state and local purchasing officials. The Florida Department of Management Services’ (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity, in partnership with the University of North Florida's Purchasing Department and Office Equal Opportunity and Diversity, invites Florida women-, veteran-, and minority-entrepreneurs to gather at the University of North Florida’s Adam W. Herbert University Center on Thursday, March 27, 2014.

"It’s exciting to see small business owners meeting with state purchasing professionals one-on-one," said DMS Secretary Craig J. Nichols. "The more visibility these entrepreneurs can gain with state agencies, the better chance we have of locating the highest-quality goods and services for Florida taxpayers. For the business owners, Matchmaker events facilitate the opportunity to help small businesses grow and create jobs. Our hope is that all eligible Northeast Florida businesses take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about the state procurement process and join the ranks of other state-certified enterprises."

Morning workshops will educate business owners on state procurement protocols, the Procurement Technical Assistance Program, and how to receive 8(a) certification. There will also be webinar training for MyFloridaMarketPlace vendors on using Sourcing and eQuote.

One-on-one appointments between business owners and state and local purchasing directors and designees will inform vendors on how to do business with specific state and local entities. These appointments also allow businesses to market their goods and services in person.

This event will be held:
Northeast Florida Regional MatchMaker Workshop
Thursday, March 27, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
University of North Florida Adam W. Herbert University Center
Jacksonville, FL 32502

If you have any questions about registering for the event, please contact the DMS Office of Supplier Diversity at 850-0915.

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