LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 23, 2004


SPEAKER TO HELP LOCAL COMPANIES
DO BUSINESS WITH THE GOVERNMENT

SANFORD -- With government always expanding, more opportunity than ever is 
available to sell products and services to state and federal agencies.

But doing business with the government isn't like dealing with private 
enterprises. It requires plenty of preparation and even some "inside 
knowledge" about how the game is played.

Tim Linker, a specialist with the Procurement Technical Assistance Center, 
will help local companies seize opportunities with government at a 
presentation on Dec. 1 in Sanford.

The luncheon meeting, scheduled for 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will be held at 
Tony's Seafood on Horner Boulevard. It is sponsored by the Lee County 
Industrial Managers Association and the Central Carolina Community College 
Small Business Center.

Linker said his presentation will include current areas of opportunity and 
methods of buying and selling.

"It will cover what companies need to do to register and get started with the 
Feds," he said. "Also, what preference programs the Feds have to offer and 
some information on how to unpack and understand what is in a solicitation."

Linker believes government contracting is important for companies, because it 
can give a boost to existing business and help cover fixed costs and overhead. 
Doing business with the government, he said, also can help diversity marketing 
efforts and even out cash flow over the long term.  

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center is part of the Small Business and 
Technology Development Center, a business development service of the 
University of North Carolina operated in partnership with the U.S. Small 
Business Administration.

It helps North Carolina businesses sell their products and services to the 
government by providing confidential counseling, group workshops and related 
assistance.

"Doing Business With the Government," is open to the public. The cost for the 
session, including lunch, is $10 per person for members, $15 per person for 
guests. For reservations or information, contact Jane Haber at the Lee County 
Economic Development Corp., 919-774-8439 or info@lcedc.com.

The Lee County Industrial Managers Association provides a forum for members to 
foster continuous improvement in local industry through continuing 
professional education, networking with other leaders and learning from each 
other by examining "best practices" in their companies. The group also 
sponsors speakers and other special events of interest to the broader public.

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Media Contacts:
Bob Heuts, Director
Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant
919-774-8439 (phone)
919-775-5410 (fax)
info@lcedc.com (e-mail)

LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/
This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr112304.txt