Contracts worth millions of dollars will be up for bids with the City of Knoxville during the next 12 to 18 months, and local businesses are invited to learn more about the upcoming projects and how to do business with the City during its Annual Business Breakfast.

The event, to be held at 7:30 a.m. Thursday June 27th at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, is free and open to all business owners. Free parking will be available in Parking Garage C - Historic Preservation Drive (one block south of Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, across from the Knoxville Marriott).

"This is an ideal opportunity for every business owner," said Boyce H. Evans, Director of Purchasing. "We encourage small and mid-size businesses to attend, as the intent is to help match local businesses with the right project for their products and services."

The fair is geared to local businesses so that procurement dollars can be reinvested into the local economy. Among the future products and services the City will need are appliances, beverages, fuel, janitorial services, landscaping supplies, office furniture, trucks and more.

Representatives from several City departments will briefly discuss specific projects. They will include general information about the projects, the anticipated date the work will be going out for bid and qualifications, among other things. Participants will also learn about the requirements for doing business and how best to compete for business with the City of Knoxville.

In addition to several departments, officials from Knoxville's Community Development Corporation and the Public Building Authority will also be on hand to outline projects and procurements on the horizon.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by contacting Sherry Bennett at 865-215-2293.