FRANKLIN - What do Qualcomm, Siebel Systems, @Road, and Zickgraf Enterprises have in common? They have all included contracting with local, state and federal governments into their customer mix to expand their products and services. According to Elizabeth Wasserman, of Business 2.0, "the federal government could end up approving as much as $100 billion in new funding since September 11."

Are you prepared to do business with the largest customer in the world? If not, come to the "Government Contract: Is it for you?" seminar presented by Southwestern Community College and the NC Small Business Technology Development Centers. The seminar begins at 8:30 AM on Thursday, October 24th and ends at 3:30 PM, there will be a one-hour break for lunch.

Ms. Teresa L. Bouchonnet of T&B Bouchonnet Consulting, LLC and Mark G. Mills of the SBTDC Procurement Technical Assistance Center will be team facilitating the seminar. Ms. Bouchonnet, an SCC alumnus has 21 years of contact administration and inventory control service to her credit with the U.S. Air Force. "I think people are totally unaware that this opportunity exists," said Bouchonnet. Since forming her consulting business 5 years ago she is convinced that people in any type of business are missing the opportunity to due business with the government right here in western North Carolina.

Mark Mills is sure of the benefit of "doing business with the government" he's seen his clients return on investment double when adding this strategy to a companies marketing plan. "People don't think of the Federal and State governments as a market. This is a great opportunity to enter this arena," states Mills. As the Program Specialist it is Mill's job to help businesses meet the challenges of today while managing change and plan for the future. His targeted research brings a wealth of knowledge of the "how to get the bids" to his audience wherever he travels.

Currently western North Carolina companies are filling contract orders for parachute canopies, windbreakers, hardwood flooring, wooden pallets, electronics, and construction services as well as meal service to forest fire technicians. "Last year we hosted the program and had eight different companies attend, from a local real estate company to textile manufacture, even the Cullowhee Fire Department got involved," stated Keith Corbeil SCC's Business and Industry Training Coordinator.

For additional information contact Corbeil at 828-349-1278 or send e-mail to kcorbeil@southwesterncc.edu.

To pre-register for this course please contact a local SCC Center near you.