PCDC and ECU to Host Government Opportunities in Eastern North Carolina Event
Greenville, NC (February 5, 2009)— The Pitt County Development Commission (PCDC) and East Carolina University’s Office of Engagement, Innovation, and Economic Development are sponsoring an event entitled, Government Opportunities in Eastern NC, for Pitt County manufacturers and distributors on February 18, 2009 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Partners for this event include the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the Small Business & Technology Development Center-PTAC Division (SBTDC-PTAC).
“Changing economic conditions can mean new opportunities for area manufacturers and distributors. This event will educate local companies on the abundant federal, state, and local procurement opportunities available and how companies can compete for these lucrative contracts,” says PCDC Executive Director, Wanda Yuhas. “North Carolina is preparing for military base expansions with as many as 11,000 new military personnel and 61,000 new residents moving into eastern NC. This ongoing growth is a perfect opportunity for companies to take advantage of the emerging procurement opportunities.”
Representatives from the NCMBC will discuss the registration process to bid on government contracts and resources available to search and apply for procurement opportunities. The NCMBC will also discuss theNorth Carolina Aerospace Alliance and Machining (NC-AA) program and the business opportunities available for metal fabricators and job shops. The NC-AA is a Golden Leaf-funded association of industry, university, community college and non-profit organizations in North Carolina committed to growing jobs in the state through the production of repair parts for Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft and other systems.
Representatives from the SBTDC-PTAC will discuss set-aside programs and government preference programs and how your business can strategize to compete for those programs. Each year, our government spends billions of dollars in goods and services purchases from private firms. Learn how your company can compete for these dollars. Other opportunities include panel discussions with procurement officers from surrounding military bases as well as insights from companies that have successfully obtained government contracts.
According to ECU’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development, Ted Morris, Ph.D., “As the government strives to make the process of military contracting as easy as possible, local suppliers can serve the military sector and thus impact North Carolina’s economy. Increasing military business for NC companies; providing innovative technologies to the defense industry; integrating military personnel and families into workforce; and supporting defense-related recruitment each promote the health and growth of our local economy and make North Carolina a more military-friendly state.”
The event is free. For more information, visit http://locateincarolina.com/pdfs/Jan09934.pdf. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Joseph Dawson at 252.758.1989 or by email at jadawson@pittcountync.gov
About Pitt County Development Commission
The Pitt County Development Commission recruits new industry and supports existing industry in PittCounty. Its mission is to promote job growth, diversify the County's economy, and expand the local tax base. Research data, printed materials, and prospect missions are components of the Commission's efforts. The Commission maintains a free listing of available industrial and major office buildings and sites. The Commission works closely with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina's Eastern Region Partnership, local Chambers of Commerce, East Carolina University, Pitt Community College, and University Health Systems.
About East Carolina University, Office of Engagement, Innovation, and Economic Development
The Office of Engagement, Innovation and Economic Development (OEIED) brings the considerable resources of the University to task in helping communities and companies throughout North Carolina address the critical challenges of competitiveness and economic development. As the state's third largest and fastest growing university, ECU is a catalyst for economic growth throughout the region, and OEIED’s multi-faceted office is the strategic focal point for external organizations to access the university's intellectual and physical assets. OEIED provides information, technical assistance, and problem solving services to facilitate the implementation of economic development plans and programs in the region.
About North Carolina Military Business Center
The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) is a business development organization and a collaborative effort between North Carolina business and the North Carolina Community College System. Funded in 2004 by the North Carolina General Assembly and opened in 2005, the NCMBC operates under the supervision of Fayetteville Technical Community College and has offices at eleven Community Colleges across the state.
About Small Business & Technology Development Center
The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is The University of North Carolina's business and technology extension service. The SBTDC is administered by N.C.State University on behalf of The University of North Carolina System, and is operated in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Eastern Region Service Center at East Carolina University is part of the Office of Engagement, Innovation and Economic Development and is one of 17 offices on campuses across the state. The SBTDC has been helping North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984. SBTDC specialists provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses throughout North Carolina. Most SBTDC services are free of charge, and all SBTDC services are confidential.
