More than 200 participants attended the 3rd Annual "Connecting Businesses to Contracts Procurement Conference" on February 13, at Southern University's Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union. The target audience was area small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Coordinated by business development specialist Eual Hall, this initiative fostered networking and collaboration among Louisiana businesses and nonprofit organizations. Major supporters and sponsors for the conference included Liberty Bank and Trust Company, Southern University System Foundation and Entergy, Inc.

The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Center for Rural and Small Business Development, Louisiana Small Business Development Center, United States Small Business Administration, and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center collaborated to implement the conference. The main objectives of the conference were to: create networking opportunities for attendees, exhibitors, small business owners and contractors, purchasing agents and contracting officers. The conference was a success and provided numerous businesses with the knowledge and skills regarding business contracts and the procurement process for federal, state, and private entities.

The concurrent breakout sessions included: obtaining bonds, knowledge about surety brokers, selling successfully to the government, contract licensing requirements for contractors, and the five key elements to get customers. The conference provided a great exchange among more than 180 participants, 35 exhibitors and presenters and at least 40 associates and service providers.

Conference attendees were reminded of the information important to lenders including: what critical information must be presented; how lenders evaluate this information; what factors are considered for start-up verses existing businesses; equity injections requirements; collateral requirements; level of experience in the industry/type of business; and the importance of being prepared.

Eugene Cornelius, SBA director, encouraged participants to quickly apply the knowledge, training, and teachings received at the conference. He indicated that the wealth of information, networking, and the exchange of services requirements of purchasing organizations constitute a step in the right direction. The need for minority and women contractors was another area which many excellent opportunities will continue to evolve and flourish in the contract arena.

The Southern University Ag Center also took the opportunity to present plaques of special recognition for outstanding and exemplary service to USDA's Edgar L. Lewis, 1890 program director, rural business-cooperative service, from Washington D.C., and John H. Broussard, business and cooperative program director in Alexandria, Louisiana. Both Lewis and Broussard have played important roles in pointing the Center in the right direction, resulting in its successful existence for thirteen years.