| Issue No. 234 Serving the Entire Business Community February 2004 | ||
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| Entering the World of Government Contracting Every year government agencies award contracts to hundreds of thousands of smaller businesses. Our federal and state agencies are constantly looking for supply sources for the variety of goods and services they must buy. And, every day thousands of prime contractors look for small businesses to help fulfill the contracts they have with the federal government. There may be no reason why your company can't take advantage of this massive amount of purchasing power. Admittedly, selling to the federal government is like no other marketing process. The language (acronyms) is usually unfamiliar and mysterious to begin with, the entire process can be cumbersome and the rules are different one agency from another. Yet, for those businesses that prevail and unravel the mysterious, the rewards in contracting dollars can make a real difference in revenues. The big question is often, “How do I get started?” Or “Where can I go to get information or help?” Help is right around the corner. Partners in Contracting Corporation (PICC) is the only Procurement Technical Assistance Center in the State and exists solely to help Indiana businesses market and sell their products and services to the government…at all levels. A representative from PICC is now available to assist Marshall County firms that would like to explore the government-contracting marketplace. We can help you get started in government contracting by clarifying the process and helping you through necessary registrations, certifications and bid solicitation research. PICC will instruct you on the basics of selling to the government, finding bid opportunities, finding subcontracting opportunities as well as many other aspects of selling to the federal government. PICC also provides information about PRO-Net and other special programs offered through the Small Business Administration and other agencies. If you already have a history of contracting with government agencies PICC can assist with researching bid histories, national stock numbers and specifications. PICC can also assist with GSA scheduling and answer questions about the process. In addition to individual assistance, PICC hosts matchmaking conferences for small business firms providing an opportunity to meet face-to-face with prime contractors and small business government purchasing specialists. Workshops and interactive networking opportunities abound at this type of conference. Our next matchmaking conference, scheduled for May 2004, is an outstanding opportunity that should not be missed. Established in 1984 through a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Defense, PICC has helped thousands of businesses receive millions of dollars worth of government contracts. From registrations to bid research, GSA schedules to technical information, PICC has been helping small business firms understand the rules and government contracting process for nearly 20 years. For more information regarding assistance from PICC contact the Chamber office at 936-2323 or PICC at 219-762-8644. ------------   Franko-Hassett & Co. C.P.A.115 N. Michigan St., Suite 101, Plymouth; 574-935-0222 Tom Franko and Lisa Hassett have joined forces bringing together over 50 years of accounting experience. Tom Franko, an active Chamber member for 14 years, owner of Schoop's Restaurant, active with Rotary Club and United Way, graduate of St. Joseph's College, Renssalear, has over 30 years of CPA experience, including working for the IRS and delivering business seminars. His wife Gloria is in the Education Department at SJRMC and his 4 children reside in the western states. Lisa Hassett has been in public accounting for 22 years and a Certified Public Accountant for 19 years. She specializes in taxation, small businesses (including farms), and setting up computer accounting systems. Lisa's husband, Kim, is a teacher at Plymouth High School and her two daughters attend school in the same system. Lisa graduated from Ball State University in 1981 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and presently holds the position of Assistant Director of Business Affairs at Ancilla College. Lisa is a member of Plymouth Music Boosters and is an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. A great team now working together. Balloons Plus100 S. Michigan Street, Plymouth; 574-936-9006 Carolyn Van Herk announced that there will be future changes for Balloons Plus. By summer, there will either be a new owner or the store will close after 15 years. During February, Balloons Plus will give away a free 'Kiss' with the purchase of any critter. Carolyn would like to thank all Chamber members, her faithful customers and friends for their patronage over the past 15 years and invites everyone to drop in to see this unique store over the next couple of months. Alternate Building Systems, Inc.825 N. Center St., Plymouth INVITATION - Open House February 19, 20, 21 Alternate Building Systems, Inc. is celebrating its 20th Year in business and Wick Buildings is celebrating its 50th year. ABS is hosting a Wick Buildings Winter Building Days Open House at the ABS office at 825 N. Center St., Plymouth from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on February 19 and 20 and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on February 21. Refreshments will be served. Check out their display in the Chamber's large window the month of February. Crossroads Academy1800 Jim Neu Drive, Plymouth INVITATION - Open House February 25, 5-6 p.m. Meet Chad Barden -New Executive Director Chad Barden has been selected as the new executive director for Crossroads Academy. Barden, former CEO for National Broadband, Inc., headquartered in Colorado, is a graduate of Plymouth High School and Purdue University. He and his wife Karen are parents to 5-year-old Kaylie, 3-year-old Annalise and 4-month-old Cole. According to John Hill, Plymouth Community Schools Superintendent and chairman of the LLN Board, Barden's proven success as an entrepreneur and his background in the technical field were strong assets that merited his selection as the new director. “We're (the LLN Board members) convinced that Chad has a lot to offer to Crossroads Academy as well as the community. He graduated high school here in Marshall County, he's raising his family here, and he's dedicated to improving our community.” Throughout his career, Barden has concentrated in high technology enterprises, both in the domestic and international markets. Motivated by his commitment to the community, he has volunteered with various agencies, including serving as chairman of the Michiana Venture Network; board member and committee chair for the Plymouth Industrial Development Corp. and chairman for the Marshall County Chapter of the American Red Cross.. Barden will host an open house at Crossroads Academy on Wednesday, February 25, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, and extends an invitation to all area businesses and residents. “Crossroads Academy has a huge potential to advance the economic growth of Marshall County,” he says. “It is an exciting time in our county's future. I am pleased to be apart of it.” Crossroads Academy is funded by a CAPE grant from the Lilly Foundation, and a grant from the Build Indiana Fund. The facility and its operations are governed by the Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network (Marshall County LLN) Board of Directors, which also governs other local recipients of CAPE funds: Heart & Hands and Ancilla College's Childcare Development Program. Crossroads Academy offers technology training to residents and businesses in Marshall County and neighboring communities, and to students enrolled in the North Central Area Vocational Cooperative. These services include computer repair, laptop and projector rental, Microsoft Office Training and Certification, as well as classes leading to certification as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers/Administrators (MCSE/MCSA).  Sprint has been recognized by G.I Jobs magazine as the second most military-friendly company among Fortune 500 companies. In its December issue of G.I Jobs, the magazine ranked the “Top 10 Most Military-Friendly Companies in America” based on the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service and the company policies toward National Guard and reserve service. Sprint was noted for its strong military recruiting effort, including a strong network of referrals to help cultivate the hiring of veterans at Sprint. No other Fortune 500 telecommunications company made the Top 10 list. Currently, nearly 10 percent of Sprint employees are military veterans and 133 are on active duty. ------------ New Members
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The Northern Indiana Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
