Reverse trade show connects businesses, organizations with opportunities

SALISBURY, Md. – A reverse trade show Wor-Wic Community College was a smash hit with local leaders and entrepreneurs.

Chance For Connections

The idea: connect governmental and educational institutions with local businesses offering contract services.

“To be able to collaborate with our peers, really it’s like that famous saying, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,'” said Director of Procurement for the City of Salisbury, Jennifer Miller. “We see trends, we see issues that affect one or might affect all of us.”

Offering Support

Miller says there’s another big benefit to the event; offering support in what can be a world of unknown for entrepreneurs.

“Public procurement can be quite daunting for any vendor, especially a new vendor,” Miller said. “[This] just makes it a smoother process for everybody, and sort of demystifies what can be a very daunting process.”

The event also served as a helpful window into who’s offering which services in the region for the organizations that need them.

“When more entities come into that mix, and they compete for those services, the idea is that at the end of the day, we’re presented with some really good options to select from,” Miller said.

A Fitting Setting

It was a fitting setting, given that Wor-Wic offers a plethora of resources to give community members a leg-up in the workforce, including connections to apprenticeships.

“We offer contract trainings, which are meant for local businesses. So, if we offer courses that don’t meet all the needs of a business, we can host contract trainings at our facility, or at their location,” said Allen Mowery, Skilled Trades Coordinator for continuing education workforce development. “We have multiple continuing education and workforce development programs in HVAC, plumbing, machining and metal fabrication, water and wastewater treatment.”

Boon For Businesses

The purchasing organizations say that it was a great chance to see the local talent available. However, entrepreneurs also called it a boon to the future of their businesses. Mid-Atlantic Energy Solutions is working to connect minority contractors with wholesale equipment and rentals.

“This is really just kind of a shortcut, instead of sitting on Google for five hours to find one contact. Now, you’ve got everybody all in one room,” said Ryan Slipper of Mid-Atlantic Energy Solutions. “This is great not just for minority businesses, but all business in general that are interested into getting into government or quasi-government contracting work.”

Helping Entrepreneurs

And, individual entrepreneurs weren’t left out, either. James Tingle is the owner of Tingles Services LLC. He says he will be busy over the next few days following up on a whole host of new connections.

“They’ve got tons of information… That cuts the chase, and we can have a conversation and go on from there,” Tingle said. “I’ve passed out some of my cards. I think it’s going to be a successful year in 2024 for Tingle Services.”