Supplier seminars will show businesses how to provide goods and services to government

Minister Kathy Dunderdale, announced today that the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, is hosting a Supplier Development Seminar on Thursday, May 26, in St. John�s.

"These supplier development seminars provide potential suppliers with an opportunity to meet with government purchasing agents and gain a greater understanding about government purchasing requirements," said Minister Dunderdale. "It also allows purchasing agents to gain an understanding of supplier capabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The seminar will take place Thursday, May 26 at the Holiday Inn from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will include presentations from the Newfoundland and Labrador Government Purchasing Agency, the Department of Transportation and Works, Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, the City of St. John's, the City of Mount Pearl, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Memorial University, and others.

"I urge local companies to build relationships with local purchasing agents," says Bill Stirling, vice president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division. "Public purchasing represents a significant market opportunity for local companies, and a tremendous base upon which to build export markets. But success with public customers, just as in any market, requires that suppliers be proactive and market their companies and products."

This is the fourth in a series of supplier development seminars that have been held in Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Winsdor, and Gander. Further sessions are planned for other areas of the province.

Media contact:
Lynn Evans, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570, 690-6290
Bill Stirling, CME, (709) 772-3654

2005 05 24                                       9:20 a.m.