The East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA) announces the third annual, "Doing Business with Your Local Governments" Conference for Small Businesses. ETPA has worked with Anderson County, Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Athens, the City of Chattanooga, the City of Knoxville, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, Knox County, the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, Knoxville Utilities Board, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, the Knoxville/Knox County Public Building Authority, Roane County, The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the United States Small Business Administration Tennessee District Office and The University of Tennessee to bring this event to fruition.

There are two new features this year!!

Large firms are invited to attend so that they can find partners from smaller firms for future opportunities. Banks and the Small Business Administration will have representatives at the event to discuss funding and other small business issues.

Generous financial support has been provided by Catalyst Technology Group USA, Office Depot, Premiere Building Maintenance and Technology Express.

These government agencies want to encourage the use of small-business, minority and women-owned business enterprises, through the sponsorship of this networking session. These agencies will be present at the networking session to inform small businesses, minority, and women-owned business enterprises on how to conduct business with your local governments and associated agencies. The Mayor of Knox County and Vice Mayor of the City of Knoxville will welcome the attendees, as well as representatives of the other entities.

The attendees will be able to visit the respective exhibit booths and talk directly to representatives of the Purchasing Divisions from each local governmental entity.

Find out how to register to do business with each entity Learn about current bid opportunities Learn the procedures used by each entity in procurement Meet purchasing staff representatives from each entity Ask questions and get answers

When: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Jacob's Building at Chilhowee Park (3301 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville TN 37914.)
Parking: Free
Food: Light Hors D'oeuvres will be provided
Cost: Free

RSVP: Contact Cindy Akins (Knoxville's Community Development Corporation's Purchasing Division) with your information. This information is your company's name, the names of your representatives, your telephone and fax numbers as well as your email address. Contact Cindy Akins by August 19, 2008 at 865-403-1107 or by email to [email protected] .