FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2007

Contact: Candace J. Semien
Communications Coordinator
(225)771-2242 ext. 303
www.suagcenter.com

CONNECTING BUSINESSES WITH CONTRACTS
SBA, Southern University Ag Center host free procurement opportunities conference February 13

WHO:   Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Center for Rural and Small Business Development, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and the Southern University College of Business

WHAT:   Invite small business owners, contractors, small towns, municipalities, and non-profits to a free procurement conference "Connecting Businesses with Contracts"

WHEN:   Tuesday, February 13, at 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:   Southern University A & M College Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union Cotillion Ballroom, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

INFO:   Attendees will receive information from presenters and exhibitors on sources of assistance, the process of registration and obtaining licensing, methods of financing, and securing contracts. Representatives from the United States Small Business Administration will be available to discuss SBA programs, guarantees, certification process, bonds and surety, GO Loans, and disaster loans. The Louisiana State Contractor Licensing Department will be available to answer contracting questions. "This conference is a networking opportunity for attendees to meet contracting officers, and purchasing Agents. It's a chance to learn how to sell products and services to federal, state and city government and to private industry," said Eual Hall, Southern University business development specialist.

Exhibitors Include: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Barksdale Air Force Base; Dept. of Veterans Affairs; FEMA; USDA; DOE; Bureau of Prisons; GSA; Minerals Management Service; U.S. Coast Guard; Louisiana National Guard; Dept. of the Navy; CH2MHill; Shaw; Louisiana State Office of Purchasing; James Construction; Tulane University; Gulf Engineers; John E. Chance & Associates; Brown Cunningham & Gannuch, Inc.; South East Procurement Technical Assistance Center; Baton Rouge City Purchasing; Louisiana State Contractor Licensing Board; Liberty Bank; Capital One Bank; Louisiana Housing Finance Agency; Louisiana State University Purchasing; Louisiana Department of Economic Development; Louisiana Secretary of State Office; Louisiana Department of Workers Compensation, and Entergy Inc, and others

Registration forms are available online at www.suagcenter.com or by calling (225) 771-3785. Parking will be available at the F.G. Clark Activity Center for registrants.

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