Procurement Forum Offers Opportunities To Virginia Businesses

Businesses Can Showcase Their Products and Services
This November at the Annual Public Procurement Forum Virginia businesses will have the opportunity to inform and educate procurement professionals throughout the Commonwealth about the products and services their business provides.

The 17th Public Procurement Forum, “Building Procurement Fitness” will be held in Roanoke at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center November 13 – 17. Sponsored by the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS), Division of Purchases and Supply the procurement forum links public buyers with private sector suppliers. Businesses have the opportunity to network and educate procurement officers about their products; and businesses can learn how to sell and do business with the state.

“Building Procurement Fitness is more than just a conference theme or the latest trend,” said Ron Bell, Director of the Division of Purchases and Supply. “It is a goal each of us strives toward daily as we work to streamline buying processes, negotiate better contracts, and establish or enhance working relations with our procurement partners. This forum links buyers with businesses, giving businesses a chance to meet state procurement professionals and buyers the chance to find out about the different suppliers available to the Commonwealth.”

A variety of procurement workshops will be offered. Topics will range from eVA, Virginia’s total e-procurement solution, to strategies for success. Featured speakers will include Mimi Donaldson, co-author of Negotiating for Dummies, and Seth Greenberg, coach of Virginia Tech’s Men’s Basketball Team and the 2005 ACC Basketball Coach of the Year. A supplier exposition is scheduled for November 16. Last year’s Forum attracted more than 450 buyers and about 200 businesses from across the state.

More Information:

• Visit the Building Procurement Fitness Forum 2005 website