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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the site for the Higher Education Diverse Business Opportunity Fair (HEDBOF) on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom. The Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative (IPHEC) Purchasing Advisory Council (PAC) Diversity Working Group hosts the event.
Along with SIUE, other Illinois institutions participating include: Governors State University, Eastern Illinois University, SIUC, SIU School of Medicine, University of Illinois Springfield University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University and Southwestern Illinois Community College.
The universities are participating in the Diverse Business Opportunity Fair to attract and engage minorities, females, persons with disabilities, and veterans in their procurements in areas such as catering, facilities maintenance and operations, office and janitorial supplies, construction services, information technology, printing, landscaping, medical equipment and supplies, professional services and more.
“Our universities are constantly seeking out diverse suppliers so we can expand the number of companies participating in the public procurement process,” said Sharla Roberts, University of Illinois Director of Procurement Diversity and IPHEC Diversity Chair.
The Southern Illinois area was targeted as the first region to conduct a higher education business opportunity fair so that diverse businesses may learn about procurement opportunities and programs that may assist in their business development plans or gain MBE/FBE/Veterans certifications that qualify them for additional opportunities.
The HEDBOF will also include representatives from a number of Illinois agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Central Management Services Business Enterprise Program.
Support and attendance is anticipated from local minority business associations such as the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Saint Louis, and various Women’s Business Development assist and advocacy agencies.
Parking is free in Lot B adjacent to the MUC. Registration is required and can be found online.
For more information, contact Donna Ingersol at 312-996-2971.
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