NEWS RELEASE
DEDO to Host BRAC Conference on Oct. 30
Businesses will Network with Nation's Largest Defense Contractors
DOVER, Del. (August 27, 2009) - As businesses and personnel throughout the region continue to
assess the impact of Base Realignment and Closure, the state of Delaware is taking advantage of all
business growth opportunities. On Friday, Oct. 30, the Delaware Economic Development Office will
host the 2009 BRAC and Beyond Business Conference, presented by Coldwell Banker Preferred at the
Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
The conference is designed specifically for firms and employers relocating from Fort Monmouth, N.J.
to the Aberdeen Proving Ground area, as well as small businesses seeking opportunities to serve these
firms and the billions of dollars in developing government contracts. It is just one of a series of
statewide initiatives to position Delaware businesses and inform citizens about the regional
opportunities developing now and beyond 2011, when the technical functions from Fort Monmouth,
N.J. to the APG are due to be completed.
Governor Jack Markell will open the day-long conference. Additional speakers and presenters include
top leaders from the U.S. Army Headquarters Small Business Program Office, the Mid-Atlantic
Regional SpacePort (MARS), University of Delaware Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships
and business development representatives from some of the region's largest defense contractors.
The Keynote Luncheon Speaker is Director Anthony Bell, chief of Small Business Programs at the US
Army Corps of Engineers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is receiving the overwhelming majority
of the BRAC budget.
The conference will also feature breakout sessions to prepare Delaware businesses with the critical
information they need to position themselves as government contractors including: how to acquire
facility security clearances; how to prepare to do work for the government; the small business
opportunities evolving at Aberdeen from the Army Material Command, Army Corps of Engineers and
their subordinate commands; and the evolving regional opportunities at NASA Wallops Island at
Chincoteague, Va; and much, much more.
New this year, all attendees will receive a packet of important government purchasing information. It
includes the most recent buying patterns, which discloses what the government is buying NOW.
Additionally, all qualified attendees will have an opportunity to sign-up for one-on-one business
appointments or "matchmaking" sessions with major prime contractors and Delaware government
contractors. Early registration is required.
The Exclusive Title Sponsor for the event is Coldwell Banker Preferred. The conference is presented in
collaboration with the following partners: Delaware's Small Business Development Center, University
of Delaware Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, city of Wilmington Economic
Development Office, and New Castle County Government.
For additional information about the conference, including sponsorship opportunities, session topics,
speakers and registration, visit www.dedo.delaware.gov/brac or call 302-672-6857.
About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state of Delaware agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. DEDO is a Certified Economic Development Organization, accredited by the International Economic Development Council. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.
Contact:
Nikki Boone, Communications Manager
Delaware Economic Development Office
nikki.boone@state.de.us
302-672-6857
