ALBEMARLE — U.S. Representative Larry Kissell (NC-08) will host the 4th annual Federal Contracting Symposium on Oct. 24, at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center in Albemarle. The district-wide event is designed to help North Carolina businesses gain a better understanding of opportunities in contracting and procurement with the federal government. The event is free and pre-registration is open.

“I’m committed to providing our local businesses with every opportunity for success,” said Kissell. “This free event links up North Carolina business owners directly with federal agencies, helping provide them with an in-depth look at the opportunities and channels within the federal contracting process. Bringing our business leaders together with government procurement officials serves as a fantastic resource hub which is evident by the success of our last three events. Last year we had more than 700 folks join us from all over North Carolina and I look forward to showing off to the federal procurement folks some of the best and most innovative businesses anywhere in the country — those right here at home.”

The Contracting Symposium is being organized in partnership with the North Carolina Military Business Center, Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center, Stanly Community College, Stanly County Economic Development Commission and the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.

“I want to thank our partners for helping make this available to our local businesses,” said Kissell. “I want to ensure that our hardworking people are given every opportunity to bid on federal procurement. I encourage all businesses throughout our area to take part in this important opportunity.”

The daylong, free event will include a federal contracting workshop series, as well as a resource fair for businesses interested in becoming engaged in the federal process. Agency participants will include contracting offices and agencies providing technical assistance in government procurement, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, US Special Operations Command, Marine Corps Installations East and many others. Representatives from the contracting offices of Ft. Bragg and Camp Lejeune will also be on hand to meet with area businesses. Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to pre-register, contact Allison Auman in Kissell’s Concord office at 704-786-1612, Kevin Tann in Kissell’s D.C. office at 202-225-3715 or visit http://www.ncmbc.us/2012FederalContractingSymposium.php.