Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
CRANE – From small businesses to large corporations, the Buy Indiana Expo gives companies a leg up on expanding their footprint into government contracting.
The 24th annual Buy Indiana Expo is April 11 at the French Lick Resort. Sponsored by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, the purpose of the event is to align Hoosier companies to the opportunities of contract work with the government.
As many as 200 vendors are expected to attend. In 2022, following a two-year hiatus because of the COVID pandemic, 150 vendors participated.
Matt Burkett, deputy director for the Small Business Program at Crane, said the event continues to be a win for businesses and Crane. The event is popular with Indiana businesses and also draws companies from Florida, South Carolina, Washington and California.
“As we’ve evolved as a command and the work we’re doing, we’re seeing many different types of companies wanting to work with us,” Burkett said.
Business vendors cover technology fields such as microelectronics and data science, as well as machine shops, construction and software companies, cable manufacturers, and engineering services.
Crane makes it a priority to support the local and regional economy, Burkett said, and the Expo facilitates connections between businesses and the base.
The Expo also includes breakout sessions led by Crane staff to inform vendors of the contract work at Crane and Crane’s needs are from outside businesses.
In fiscal year 2022, Crane procured $1.9 billion in parts and services. Burkett said about 28% of that was spent with small businesses. Of those small businesses, 20% were located in Indiana.
“We’re really trying to grow the ecosystem and increase the engagement with Indiana small business,” Burkett said. “From a business standpoint, the Buy Indiana Expo is outstanding because it’s a great mix of current mission partners, large and small. So if you’re a new business, it’s a very efficient way to meet other industry partners as well as the Crane employees you’ll be working with.”
Chamber support
The Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce is the 2023 host chamber. Cheryl Hamilton, executive director of the Linton-Stockton Chamber, said attendance reaches 500 people with Crane sending engineers, technicians, buyers and contract personnel to the Expo.
The majority of exhibitors come to gain new business or expand the business they already do with Crane.
Others such as Ivy Tech, WorkOne and tourism groups, are there to promote their services or communities.
For vendors arriving early, there will be a golf outing and welcome reception April 10. The Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For information or to reserve a booth, contact the Linton-Stockton Chamber, 812-847-4846 or email [email protected]. Register online at lintonchamber.org.