LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CHATHAM COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HARNETT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, January 23, 2004 Ê READY TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE GOVERNMENT? INSIDERS SHOW THE WAY AND PROVIDE ADVICE SANFORD Ñ Though the rewards can be great, many companies have shied way from doing business with the federal government. For whatever reason Ñ bad payment experiences in the past or the reams of paperwork once required simply to get a foot in the door Ñ many executives decided it simply wasn't worth the trouble. But much of that has changed. Over time, government leaders have adopted more commercial practices and streamlined their own organizations. The result: Government contracts are more accessible than ever. "Securing Contracts With Government and Other Prime Contractors," an informal seminar scheduled for Feb. 18 in Sanford, helps industry leaders take advantage of these potentially-lucrative relationships with the military and other governmental agencies. The four-hour session is open to the public and will be led by Paul Friday and Eric Oltman of Concurrent Technologies Corp., a 1,300-member nonprofit agency working to stimulate economic development through business relationships with the military. The event is the first of several to be sponsored jointly by economic development offices in Lee, Chatham and Harnett counties, and Central Carolina Community College is funding the project. Business and industrial leaders from all three counties are urged to attend. Friday says the seminar will begin with a look at existing opportunities for industry. It continues with information about Team NC, a computer portal created to help companies do business with the military, and concludes with a practical discussion about becoming registered and eligible to bid on government contracts. Presenters also will discuss resources available to help companies do business with the government, including the Small Business and Technology Development Center and Procurement Technical Assistance Center. Though the seminar covers many of the basics, even companies with experience can benefit from the program. "A lot is changing and there will be plenty of give and take," said Friday. "What we're doing is not a canned program; it's a practical, business-to-business discussion." Though the focus is on dealing with federal agencies, Friday says the same principles apply to working with any large organization Ñ including private-sector companies like Wal-Mart or Ford. "Securing Contracts" will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Steele Street Steak House in downtown Sanford. The registration fee, including lunch, is $20 per person. To register or receive more information, contact Jane Haber at 919-774-8439 or info@lcedc.com. The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county's two municipalities. --30-- Press Contacts: Bob Heuts, Director Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant Lee County Economic Development Corp. 919-774-8439 (phone) 919-775-5410 (fax) info@lcedc.com Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr012304.txt