Private-public 'matchmaker' conference Friday in Burlington

Rep. Peter Welch and the state of Vermont will host a day-long conference this Friday designed to help small businesses learn how to contract with the state and federal government.
The Stimulating Green $$ conference, which will take place from 7:30 a.m through 3:30 p.m. at the Burlington Sheraton, will feature government agencies and contractors looking to contract or subcontract with Vermont s small businesses.
The conference will also help Vermont companies learn more about the $700 million the state is expected to receive through the federal economic stimulus package and how best to access it.
This is a great opportunity for Vermont business owners to learn how the federal stimulus bill can benefit their companies and their employees, Rep. Welch said. We expect roughly $130 million for infrastructure, weatherization and energy efficiency upgrade projects to flow into the state, thanks to the hard work of Vermont s congressional delegation, led by Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders. Now we re looking forward to providing Vermont business owners the tools they need to put those funds to use to create jobs and rebuild our economy.
In addition to learning how to bid on state and federal contracts, firms can participate in matchmaker sessions that allow them to introduce their services and products in one-on-one, ten-minute appointments with various government agencies and large companies that already contract with the government.
Businesses can meet with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; General Services Administration and Postal Service; the Vermont National Guard, Agency of Transportation and Departments of Information and Innovation, Buildings and General Services, and Environmental Conservation.
Rep. Welch and Tom Evslin, Chief Recovery Officer from the Vermont Office of Economic Stimulus & Recovery, will deliver keynote addresses during the event s luncheon.
For more information, visit: www.vtsbdc.org or call Joanne Rossignol at the Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center at (802) 828-5243.
WHAT: Stimulating Green $$ matchmaker conference
WHEN: Friday, May 1st, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sheraton Conference Center, 870 Williston Road, Burlington