On Dec. 4 and 5, the Defense Leadership Forum hosted the 2019 West Coast Small Business Defense Contracting Summit at the San Diego Convention Center. Chairman William “Bill” Loiry and his team were present to make this truly an enjoyable event. Retired Marine Mustang Officer and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Howard Snow, served as the moderator and the Master of Ceremonies. Jordan Rumsey, Media Director for the Defense Leadership Forum said, “We had 270 total attendees at the 2019 West Coast Small Business Defense Contracting Summit. 198 of those were VIP’s. At last count, we had 44 exhibitors."
The Defense Leadership Forum was gracious enough to offer registration discounts to 8(a) firms assigned to the San Diego District Office. There were four San Diego 8(a) firms in attendance. Shore Solutions, Inc. and La Jolla Logic, Inc. were exhibitors and Jaime Partners, Inc. DBA Creative Builds and Vnuit, LLC were attendees. BOS John Engstrom from the San Diego DO was able to introduce the 8(a) firms to buyers, large businesses and other small businesses. This was a great venue for each of the 8(a) firms to network.
John Engstrom gave a presentation entitled “8(a) Business Development Program”. San Diego, Orange, Imperial PTAC Deputy Director Brett Housholder gave a PTAC Brief on Doing Business with the Federal Government. John also participated as a mentor to 12 small business owners over the two days. Later on camera, John said, “The matchmaking sessions coordinated by Lindsey, Laura, and Jordan were the best that I have ever participated in.” Everyone was clearly notified when there was one minute of time remaining. As time expired, the next group of small business owners were led into the room.
written by: John Engstrom, Business Opportunity Specialist, San Diego District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration for SBA Daily