Leesburg will partner with other government agencies across Lake County on Friday, April 29, for a unique trade show that could help local businesses to cope with the difficult economy.

 

The Third Annual Reverse Vendor Trade Show hosted by the Procurement Offices of Lake (POOL) will feature goods and services that the participating governments are looking to buy. Business owners can explore many opportunities to bid on public contracts and learn how to navigate the government purchasing process.

 

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29 at the Leesburg Community Building, 109 E. Dixie Ave. For more information, call the Leesburg Purchasing Division at 352-728-9880 or e-mail purch@leesburgflorida.gov.

 

Participating governments include the cities of Leesburg, Tavares, Clermont and Eustis. Lake County agencies include the Board of County Commissioners, Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Schools.

 

Workshops are scheduled at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to provide guidance and tips about the public procurement process.

Doing business with governments is a well-needed boost for local companies and contractors impacted by the sluggish economy. Plus it pumps locally generated tax dollars back into the community, helping to build commerce and to maintain jobs for area residents.

 

“The Reverse Vendor Trade Show is an excellent opportunity for businesses to learn how to conduct business with governments and meet representatives from most government agencies in Lake County,” said City of Leesburg Purchasing Manager Mike Thornton.

 

Leesburg has worked for years to give extra consideration to area businesses when they compete for government purchases. Two years ago the city strengthened that local vendor preference policy even more, expanding the area of qualified local businesses and increasing opportunities for those businesses to compete with non-local bidders.