Small Business Network and Training Conference

The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), a field activity/inventory control point of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), is conducting a no cost Small Business Networking and Training Conference on June 10, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Select Naperville-Lisle, 1801 N. Naper Blvd, Naperville, IL 60563. The conference is designed to stimulate economic activity in the Chicago metropolitan area and Midwest states by enhancing small business participation in federal acquisitions with companies capable of providing energy commodities and services. Additionally, the conference will engage large businesses willing to participate in the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé program by becoming a mentor or providing subcontracting opportunities to small businesses. We are also looking for small businesses capable of providing alternative fuels (biodiesel B20) and ethanol (E85) to the Government. DESC's mission is to provide the Department of Defense and other government agencies with comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and economical manner possible. For more information visit the DESC's web site at "http://www.desc.dla.mil". DESC purchases of energy products for fiscal year 2007 were $13.7 billion. There will be three training/breakout sessions in the afternoon from 1:45-2:25; 2:30-3:10 and 3:15-3:55 p.m. During the training/breakout sessions, the Commodity Business Unit (CBU) representatives will have an opportunity to provide detail information on the products/services procured for their particular CBU. Vendors will also have the opportunity to ask specific questions geared towards products/services procured for that particular CBU. Representatives from the Small Business Administration Illinois District Office, Illinois Procure Technical Assistance Center, DLA and DESC Small Business Offices will also be participating in training/breakout sessions. For more information about the DESC Small Business Networking and Training Conference, please visit the website stated above under “News and Events” or contact Ms. Shelia McClain, DESC Small Business Specialist at (703) 767-9678, email: [email protected]; Ms. Lula Manley, DESC Director of Small Business Programs at (703) 767-9465, email: [email protected], Mr. Frank Wright, Deputy Director, DESC Americas at (713) 718-3883, ext 101, email: [email protected]; Mr. Richard Alton, Illinois PTAC Program Director at (217) 557-7808, email: [email protected]; or Ms. Judith Roussel, SBA District Director, Illinois at (312) 353-4508, email: [email protected] .