Businesses interested in exploring public sector supply opportunities in Atlantic Canada have the opportunity to attend Selling to the Public Sector. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, this event is a reverse trade show where provincial governments from across the region exhibit to local businesses.

"Delivered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in collaboration with industry partners, this event enables local business to identify public sector supply opportunities throughout the Atlantic Region," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "As a government, we are committed to opening doors for local businesses to target new opportunities both at home and in external markets. This event is representative of that commitment and will help improve the competitiveness of participants."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador itself spends in excess of $400 million annually on the procurement of goods and services. They include office supplies, janitorial products, heavy equipment parts, protective clothing, educational tools and training aids, professional services and materials required to maintain highways and public facilities.

"We are pleased to partner with the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development on the delivery of this event," said Donna Stone, President, St. John�s Board of Trade. "The public sector purchases a wide range of goods and services each year and this event will help our business community tap into this market."

"There are many opportunities for our members to sell to the public sector; however, navigating the procurement process can be daunting," said Nena Abundo, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). "This event will help our members understand the process and better position them to compete for bidding opportunities."

Bill Stirling, Vice President, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, is also supportive of providing new opportunities for local businesses.

"Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters has a wide range of programs and services that assist Newfoundland and Labrador businesses interested in exploring new markets," said Mr. Stirling. "We encourage our members to take advantage of events like this that can help expand their business opportunities."

The show will be held in the Holiday Inn�s Grand Salon in St. John�s from 1 p.m. � 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15. To register for the free event, please contact Teralynn McCormick at 709-729-7047 or teralynnmccormick@gov.nl.ca; Carol Hanlon at 709-726-2961 ext. 9 or chanlon@bot.nf.ca; or Julie Kavanagh at 709-754-5555 ext. 230 or jkavanagh@nlowe.org. 

The registration form is available at www.intrd.gov.nl.ca/intrd/spotlight.htm#Selling

To help businesses start or expand, including seizing opportunities related to the supply of goods and services, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development offers a number of financial and non-financial supports to businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Examples of the department�s programs include the Business Retention and Expansion Program, Commercialization Program, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Fund, Business Networks Program and Business and Market Development Program.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2008 10 10                                                     9:55 a.m.