GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH ANNOUNCES OPPORTUNITY FAIR FOR
SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS
Teaching local companies about
many opportunities to do business with the State
EAST SAINT LOUIS, ILL - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich is inviting today
small or emerging businesses to attend the East St. Louis Opportunity Fair on
January 13, where they will learn about how to do business with the state. The
Fair, to be held from 8:30am to 1:00pm at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center, 101
Jackie Joyner Kersee Circle, will provide information and services to help
businesses navigate the bidding on state contracts. This Fair is part of
Opportunity Returns , the Governor's comprehensive plan that he unveiled in
December to stimulate the economy and create more jobs in Southwestern Illinois.
“Since small businesses are the backbone of the Metro
East economy, Opportunity Returns is providing
them with a unique chance to network and to learn how to
navigate the sometimes confusing path of doing business
with the state of Illinois,” Governor Blagojevich said.
“It offers local businesses tangible ways to expand its
customer base and put more people to work. Participating
in the East Saint Louis Opportunity Fair could boost
your economic bottom line.”
This local Opportunity Fair will present
representatives from area businesses with specific
information on how to become qualified to bid on state
contracts with agencies such as the Illinois Department
of Transportation (IDOT), Central Management Services
(CMS), Capital Development Board, Department of Revenue
and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
(DCEO).
Some of the items and services these government
agencies seek bids on include advertising services,
guardrail and fence repair, hardware, hand tools, power
tools, land acquisition appraisals, negotiations and
relocations, landscaping, consultant engineering
services, information technology, safety apparel, office
supplies, technical writing, and building maintenance
and repair.
“There are many businesses in the Metro East region
that are eager to explore the prospect of doing business
with IDOT and other state agencies. They simply don't
know where to start,” said IDOT Secretary Timothy W.
Martin. “This fair is a great chance to come out and
meet us and learn about the possibilities of working
together in the future.”
The Opportunity Fair will offer information on a
variety of topics useful for businesses of any size
interested in bidding on state government contracts.
Topics that will be addressed at the Opportunity Fair
include: Getting Started; How to Become Prequalified;
How to do Business with CMS; Tools and Resources for
Successful Government Contracting; Getting Certified as
a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise; and How to Get
Through the Paperwork and Get Paid.
Governor Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns
regional economic development plan is the most
aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in
Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to
economic development just doesn't work, the Governor has
divided the state into 10 regions – finding areas with
common economic strengths and needs, and developing a
plan with specific actions for each region. This
grassroots effort is a product of significant outreach
over several months throughout each region, with
business, civic and labor leaders, and elected
officials. These economic initiatives are designed to be
flexible and effective. Each plan is tailored to deliver
real results that local businesses will see, feel, and,
hopefully, profit from.
Pre-registration for the East St. Louis Opportunity
Fair is required and can be obtained by visiting
IDOT's website or by calling 618-346-3227 by January
9.
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