(FLINT, Mich. – January 14) The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the I-69 Thumb Region is inviting the Flint and Genesee County business community to the annual Meet the Buyer event. It will be held on Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Banquet Center in downtown Flint.

In “speed-dating” fashion, Meet the Buyer gives vendors the chance to present their products and services to nearly two dozen different buyers from both the public and private sectors. The experience gives them practice in selling their product and the opportunity to make potential sales and establish relationships with prominent local buyers including Bishop International Airport, City of Flint, Consumers Energy, Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Flint/Genesee Job Corps, Genesee County Drain Commission, Mass Transportation Authority, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Michigan Department of Transportation, Oakland County, U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Michigan-Flint.

According to Andrew Hayes, PTAC Procurement Counselor, Flint & Genesee Chamber, the event provides a great value for participants.

“Meet the Buyer is a great opportunity for local vendors,” said Hayes. “They’re able to meet with government and private industry buyers to learn their respective purchasing needs and how to go about fulfilling these needs.”

This year’s event sponsors are Consumers Energy and VetBizCentral. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served, and a special guest speaker will give an address over lunch. The event is open to the public. The cost is $30 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members.

Vendors are also invited to attend the Meet the Buyer Prep Workshop, scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 from 9-10 a.m. at the Flint & Genesee Chamber. The workshop will help Meet the Buyer attendees prepare for the event (i.e., what to bring, what questions to ask, etc.) so they can make the most of their time at the Meet the Buyer event.

Register at www.flintandgenesee.org or contact Hayes at ahayes@flintandgenesee.org. Registration for the Meet the Buyer event will close Jan. 23.