Tri-State Procurement and Economic Development Summit

Tri-State Procurement and Economic Development Summit

This first of its kind event in Southeast Iowa sprung out of conversations between various resource and economic development partners in the tristate (NE Missouri, NW Illinois and SE Iowa) region. CIRAS at Iowa State University is one of the main sponsors of the event, adding that there are very few educational and networking type events centered in this region, so we wanted to help increase exposure of business resources to the business community in this geographical area as well as expose the companies to each other. Cooperation amongst various organizations in this tristate area is becoming more and more common so we want to also capitalize on those partnerships, and keep growing them in different areas.

The event is unique in that it will offer something for everyone. The summit will include 3 distinct educational tracks for economic development, general business growth and procurement/Government sales. Each track will provide companies with some sort of knowledge to grow their business and/or understand community/regional programs and initiatives that may affect them. One procurement session that is sure to draw significant interest is a panel of current buyers/purchasing agents from various Federal, State and Local agencies, for example Lee County, Fort Madison Prison, State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services, Missouri DOT, and Illinois DNR.

Event Details:
Date: March 23, 2016
Time: 8AM-12PM Option tour of Keokuk Waterworks at 1:30
Location: Keokuk High School, Keokuk, IA

There will also be a resource and networking fair to allow companies to further discuss potential partnerships and work opportunities with others in attendance.

The main sponsors/organizers of the event are CIRAS, IL PTAC @ WIU, MO PTAC, IA/IL/MO SBDC, Keokuk Chamber of Commerce, Lee County Economic Development Corp., and ISU Extension and Outreach.

There is no cost to attend the summit, however registration is required.


Beth White, Government Contract Specialist, Iowa State University, CIRAS

Share this post