2/25/08 DMS Office Of Supplier Diversity Sponsors Northwest Regional Matchmaker Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008
CONTACT:
Linda McDonald
(850) 921-5266
~Regional MatchMaker event provides valuable opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses in the Panhandle to meet with state purchasing officers~
TALLAHASSEE- The Department of Management Services Office of Supplier Diversity presents the 2008 Northwest Florida Regional MatchMaker tomorrow at the University of West Florida campus in Pensacola. This event is the first of six Regional MatchMaker workshops around the state providing area minority business owners with practical advice on how to do business with the State of Florida.
"It is critical that we continue to support minority businesses throughout the state," said Office of Supplier Diversity Director Torey Alston. "The Northwest MatchMaker provides minority businesses in the Panhandle area a unique and convenient opportunity to meet face-to-face with the state's decision-makers and improve their visibility."
This event is cosponsored by the University of West Florida and the University of West Florida Small Business Development Center's Procurement Technical Assistance Center. It provides practical advice to minority business owners who work with the state by providing various opportunities, resources and one-on-one sessions with state purchasing officers.
During the event, Alston will discuss the Office of Supplier Diversity 2010 Plan, which looks to expand business and economic opportunities for women- and minority-owned business enterprises through additional outreach activities, automation of services and increased accountability.
The Office of Supplier Diversity improves business and economic opportunities for Florida's women- and minority-owned businesses. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, state government spent $1.1 billion with certified women- and minority-owned business enterprises. This includes certifying 3,733 businesses in Florida.
To learn more about the Office of Supplier Diversity or minority certification, call (850) 487-0915 or visit www.osd.dms.state.fl.us.
Northwest Florida Regional MatchMaker
February 26, 2008
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
University of West Florida, Pensacola Campus
###