Aug 29, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Crystal France
Director of Marketing/PR
Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
276.403.5940
cfrance@yesmartinsville.com
“Selling to the State” Workshop for Small, Women- and Minority-owned Business Offered for Local Entrepreneurs
~ Learn how to maximize Governor Kaine’s commitment to enhancing SWAM performance ~
Martinsville, VA (Aug. 29, 2006) – Governor Kaine issued an Executive Order on August 10, 2006, to improve the Commonwealth’s performance in contracting with small businesses and those owned by people of color and women (SWAM).
Executive Order 33 includes directives that are designed to remove potential structural impediments to SWAM participation, and to encourage new thinking and active recruitment programs that will lead to increased SWAM participation in the procurement of goods and services, including among subcontractors. The Order builds upon legislation adopted by the 2006 General Assembly (HB122/SB 662) which authorized the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (DMBE) to certify small, women and minority-owned businesses, while developing remedial and enhancement programs to improve the Commonwealth's performance.
Complementing this Order, the Martinsville-Henry County EDC, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Patrick Henry Community College and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance are partnering to provide information about selling services to the Commonwealth to local SWAM businesses.
The free workshop, scheduled to begin at 8 AM on September 26 in PHCC’s Frith Building, will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to network with local and state buyers and hear the requirements for selling their services.
“This workshop is a great opportunity for all small business owners to meet the purchasing decision-makers from local and state agencies,” explains Lisa Fultz, Director of Small and Minority Business Development for the Martinsville-Henry County EDC. “For those already SWAM or eVA certified, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune registration to maximize opportunities.”
The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area. The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play.
The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.
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