For Bill Kemper, the Small and Minority Business Expo is one of those little things that make his job easier.
As material coordinator for the University Health Center, Kemper has to find ways to keep about 600 medical and office supplies in stock. And because the funds he’s using are public, the state of Georgia asks that he helps boost the local economy whenever he can, which is where the expo comes in.
“It’s difficult when you’re in my position because when you have a need, you’ll go to the standard vendors you’re used to going with. So unless someone gets in front of you and says ‘I can provide that same product at a similar price, and you’ll get the benefit of going locally’ you don’t realize you have options,” he said.
This year’s expo runs from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Grand Hall on the fifth floor of the Tate Student Center.
The event is run in a reverse trade show set-up, which means that campus departments sit at tables, and vendors walk among them. The structure allows an easier exchange between buyers and sellers because it lets the vendors control to whom they pitch, according to Kemper.
“You set up your booth and they send that information to the vendors prior to the event, so the vendors who come to you know who you are, what you do and what products they may have that fit into your business,” he said. “It was very nice that the people who came by already had an idea of what you need.”
Last year more than 200 vendors attended, but that number could be on the rise thanks to new efforts to publicize the event. In addition to contacting local chambers of commerce, the university has been spreading the word about the expo through predominately black and Latino churches, according to Annette Evans, UGA procurement officer.
“Last year it was the inaugural event, and we had good participation from the campus and local agencies, and we had a good turnout from the vendor community, so it was successful in that it opened some doors and allowed the departments and the vendors to have a good interaction,” she said. “Now a lot of departments have one year under their belts, so they have maybe more experience in knowing what questions to ask vendors or ascertaining which vendors can meet their needs.”
In addition to networking opportunities, the Procurement Office will offer two sessions on purchasing how-tos for vendors.
There is no charge to participate in the expo, but departmental representatives must be registered to set up booths.
Register by sending an e-mail to ugaexpo@uga.edu. Contact Jessica Beri or Sarah Williamson at (706) 542-2361 with any questions.