Vendor Day: A networking opportunity for Sheppard, local community Published May 18, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 50 local businesses from the Wichita Falls, Texas area and Government Purchase Card holders came together during Sheppard's annual Vendor Day at Midwestern State University Student Clark Center May 17. Vendor Day helps inform GPC holders and customers on base about services and products available in the local community for fair and reasonable prices. Meghan DiFrancesco, 82nd Contracting Squadron contract specialist, said Vendor Day is particularly beneficial for smaller businesses in the local area. "This presents smaller businesses with a great networking opportunity, to meet their customers face-to-face and physically showcase their products," she said. "It helps both the customers and vendors become more aware of what the needs are and what the local community has to offer them." Ms. DiFrancesco said this event also provides training requirements for GPC holders. "There are six different types of training during Vendor Day for our GPC holders," she said. "The training helps educate the card holders and prevent unauthorized commitments." Porter Smith, 82 CONS acquisition flight chief, said there is training available year round through "Buy Me University," a tool to help inform and ease the end-of-year processes. "'Buy Me University' is a tool that will help anyone who is making a purchase or requesting a service using government funds," Mr. Smith said. "The tool can be accessed through the base server and there they can find links for templates, examples of past purchases to compare their purchase with, checklists, and much more." Mr. Porter said the main goal for the "Buy Me University" is to get everyone on the same page. For those who were not able to make it to the training for Vendor Day, there will be five more classes held. The classes that will be held throughout the next two months are as follows: - May 18 and May 25 at 1 p.m. at the Sheppard Club - May 27 at 10 a.m. at the Sheppard Club - June 2 and June 3 at 10 a.m. at the Sheppard Club For more information please call the contracting office at (940) 676-5177.