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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
July 14, 2011

Local Businesses Explore Links in the Public Sector Supply Chain

Local businesses are invited to discover supply chain opportunities that exist in all levels of government by attending the Selling to the Public Sector Reverse Trade Show on September 14 at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook. The reverse trade show, which is an element of the Provincial Government’s Supplier Development Program, provides suppliers with the information required to sell their products to a multi-billion dollar sector.

“The public sector is a massive market for local business,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “It holds tremendous potential for local businesses, which underscores the value of this event. Through the reverse trade show, local businesses are able to learn, network and explore what supply opportunities exist within the public sector. Through our supplier development initiatives, we are helping to facilitate the growth of small and medium-sized businesses and create an environment where they can become more successful, more profitable, and employ more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Through exhibitor booths and workshops, potential suppliers learn about the goods and services required and procured by provincial, federal, and municipal governments, academic institutions, and the health care sector. Information will be additionally presented on the programs and services that are available to assist Newfoundland and Labrador companies expand their operations.

“The public sector is a multi-billion dollar market and this event brings buyers and sellers from it together under one roof,” said Minister Sullivan. “Similar events in the past have yielded positive results and valuable feedback from participants. I encourage businesses interested in finding out how they may fit into the public sector supply chain to attend.”

Since 2005, over 50 supplier development events have take place in all regions of the province. These events have led local businesses to secure valuable knowledge and form strategic partnerships within the public and private sectors.

“We first got into this market by attending these workshops and learning about the procurement processes of the public sector,” said Kent Crewe, Technical Sales Representative, Fab-Tech Industries. “We had the opportunity to network, learn about tendering websites and potential bidding opportunities. Selling to the public sector now accounts for about 20 per cent of our revenue.”

The Selling to the Public Sector Reverse Trade Show in Corner Brook will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free of charge to attend. It is coordinated by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, in partnership with the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, Humber Economic Development Board and the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs.

To register, please contact Sherry Styles at 709-637-2628 or sstyles@gov.nl.ca or Sherry Hynes at 709-634-5831 or sherry@gcbbt.com.

The deadline for registration is Thursday, September 8.

The Supplier Development Program, which is coordinated by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, promotes the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises within the province. This program helps Newfoundland and Labrador firms supply quality goods and services at competitive costs to public and private sector entities in local, national and international markets.

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Media contact:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2011 07 14                                                                    9:25 a.m.

 
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