NAVSUP Partners to Provide Opportunities for Small Businesses to Grow

By Kathy Adams, NAVSUP Office of Corporate Communications

HARRISBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- For the second consecutive year, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) partnered with the City of Harrisburg and two Pennsylvania state agencies in Harrisburg, Pa., to provide vital information to small and women-owned businesses at an Expo held March 28.

"The entrepreneurial spirit is what makes this country tick," said Rear Adm. Sean Crean, deputy commander, Naval Supply Systems Command. "It's the small, women and minority-owned businesses that are the backbone of our economy. These business leaders are making the American dream a reality."

The Small, Minority and Woman's Business Enterprise Expo 2012, presented by the City of Harrisburg, NAVSUP, and the Pennsylvania Departments of General Services and Public Welfare, provides an opportunity to exchange information and learn about business opportunities available in city, local, and federal government.

Breakout sessions were provided on a range of topics during the one-day Expo. Information about construction, information technology, and how to get proper certification to do business with government were some of the sessions offered.

Exhibitor booths showcased the widely varied services provided across the state by small, women, and minority-owned businesses.

"We are proud of what we can do with our small business partners," said Crean. "The competitive and innovative products and services small businesses provide are what our warfighters need to accomplish their mission."

Linda D. Thompson, mayor of Harrisburg; Sheri Phillips, Pa. Department of General Services secretary; and Karen Deklinski, deputy secretary for Administration, Pa. Department of Public Welfare also spoke at the exhibition.

NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.