CONCORD, NC - Monday, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) hosted the Second Annual 8th District Federal Contracting Symposium in Albemarle. The event brought local small business owners and representatives together to speak directly with government agencies to gain a better understanding of opportunities in contracting and procurement with the federal government.
 
"We need to do all we can to provide small businesses with the tools and opportunities they need to be successful," said Kissell. "I'm proud we were able to host another successful event this year to do just that. In these tough economic times, helping our small businesses is essential to creating jobs and getting our economy back on track."
 
Kissell brought in representatives from numerous federal government agencies, including the Department of Defense, USDA, Small Business Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce.
 
"Today's event is such a great opportunity for small businesses," said Evelyn Poole, President of Fabrex Unlimited, Inc. of Richfield. "This has given us direct access to all of the agencies here, without the hassle of e-mail or forms.  It really made this process more thorough and personal, and it was wonderful to speak with Representative Kissell."
 
418 participants from across the eighth district participated in this event from all sectors of the local economy including textiles, engineering, manufacturing, and information technology.  The event was cosponsored by the N.C. Military Business Center, the Stanly County Economic Development Commission, Stanly Community College, the Small Business and Technology Development Center, and the Small Business Administration.