Detroit workshop topic is national security contracts
April 24, 2002
KALAMAZOO--Operation Enduring Freedom has significantly increased defense spending, and small businesspeople from around the state will learn how they can secure work for major defense contractors at an upcoming workshop in Detroit.
Sponsored in part by Western Michigan University's Southwest
Michigan Technical Assistance Center, the Federal Procurement
Conference on Subcontracting Opportunities will take place from
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 29, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Detroit
Metro Airport. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. for the event,
which is open to the public. The cost for lunch and material
is $40, and a special room rate of $119 per night is being offered
by the Crowne Plaza. Reservations are required. Information can
be obtained by contacting Janice Campbell at (269) 387-2005 or
<janice.campbell@wmich.edu>.
"Michigan has a long history of providing our nation's military with the products needed to serve our nation's defense," says U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, a sponsor of the conference. "During World War II, Detroit was the Arsenal of Democracy that produced the material needed for our troops to achieve victory. Today, Michigan companies continue to make a vital contribution to our nation's defense."
At the seminar, small business managers will receive detailed information on how to participate in the federal procurement process. In addition, they will be able to meet directly with prime defense contractors to discuss subcontracting opportunities.
In addition to Levin, conference sponsors include the Michigan Technical Assistance Centers, several small business development centers, the Defense Logistics Agency and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Under the umbrella of WMU's Haworth College of Business and its Office of Business Development Services, the Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center offers free assistance to area companies interested in doing business with the government. Annually, center director Michael Black and his staff help businesses secure more than $28 million in government contracts.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu