Vendor Day means business

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Businesses surrounding Sheppard showcased the services they can provide the government as they welcomed Government Purchase Card holders to Vendor Day at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, May 20.

Vendor Day is an event where businesses from Wichita Falls and surrounding area come together and showcase their products and services to local community members and base personnel, including GPC holders, resource advisors and approving officials.

"Vendor Day is unlike similar trade shows because it does not involve actual selling or trading, but rather aims to show the customers and attendees the potential competition and sources which exist in a variety of businesses and industries," said 2nd Lt. Troy Kinchen, Sheppard Vendor Day coordinator from 82nd CONS.

This event was mutually beneficial to the attendees and the companies that participated in it.

"The benefits of Vendor Day are two-fold," Lieutenant Kinchen said. "The 82nd Contracting Squadron must fulfill two requirements each year: community outreach and annual GPC refresher training for all cardholders. Vendor day allowed both to happen simultaneously, since training was held at different times for cardholders throughout the day. In addition, optional training was held for vendors and base personnel interested in learning more about various topics such as 'Doing business with the government.'"

The training times allowed 82nd CONS an opportunity to train attendees on new regulations. For instance, cardholders are now mandated to purchase all office supplies online through General Services Administration in order to promote more competition and assist with thorough source rotation, both of which are requirements of cardholders.

Companies had an opportunity to see their competition. It also allowed them an opportunity to bring their business directly to the customer, so they could educate and inform the customer on what the vendor can offer.

"These days, a vendor can no longer freely enter a base without authorized access, which usually occurs on a predetermined rotation or an escorted basis," the lieutenant said. "So, they are no longer able to showcase what they do to potential customers. Their business may never be known without opportunities like Vendor Day to get their name and services out there."

The vendors had one-on-one interaction with potential customers and were able to relay information that fit new regulations, such as how to find their website through GSA.

Vendor Day helped educate Sheppard GPC holders and put them in touch with the services local businesses offer through GSA in order to aid the mutual support between Team Sheppard and the local community.