Freehold – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is hosting a “Doing Business with Local Government” seminar from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Aug. 29, at the Monmouth County Police Academy, Kozloski Road. 
 
“Monmouth County has connected with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the New Jersey Association of County Purchasing Officials to provide information specifically for small business owners,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “We encourage local small business owners to do business with the county and this information session is great way to make that happen.”
 
Gerri C. Popkin, Monmouth County’s purchasing agent, will provide instructions on county purchasing guidelines and requirements. SBA representatives will provide information about current SBA programs and federal government purchasing procedures.
 
“Gerri Popkin is extremely knowledgeable about state purchasing rules and regulations,” Burry said. “We encourage those attending to ask a lot of questions and get all the information they need to start doing business with Monmouth County and other levels of government right away.”
 
“Throughout the state, the seminars are being conducted by Monmouth County’s Certified County Purchasing Official and representatives from the SBA,” said Michael Pappas, SBA Regional Administrator. “Attendees will learn about doing business with local governments, as well as the programs offered by the SBA and how to do business with the federal government.”
 
Small-business owners interested in exploring how to do business with government units are invited to attend this Monmouth County seminar. Attendees will receive handout materials and be given an opportunity to have their questions answered.
 
Those interested in attending this seminar should call the Monmouth County Purchasing Department at (732) 431-7370. Walk-ins also are welcome.
 
Similar seminars were held in Somerset and Cumberland counties this month. A session is also planned for Passaic County at a date to be announced.

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