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WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright Thursday said the federal government is committed to working with small businesses to help them grow and to drive local economies.

Cartwright delivered his message at the annual Government Contracting Showcase (GCS) for 2019, hosted by the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance.

The half-day event provides training and networking for regional businesses to learn how to do business with federal, state, and local government agencies and prime contractors.

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, delivered the Luzerne County welcome address and Cartwright, D-Moosic, was be the keynote luncheon speaker.

“We want our region to be a place where people open businesses, raise their families, and build their lives,” Cartwright said. “The NEPA Alliance is skilled at bringing together key players like local government agencies, businesses, institutions, and individuals to make that happen. I encourage them to continue their efforts.”

Pashinski said NEPA Alliance has played a vital role in connecting business education and government together in order to leverage dollars — both public and private — to increase jobs and maintain jobs.

“Last year, more than $188 million of federal and state money was distributed throughout NEPA to attract more jobs and to sustain the quality businesses that we have,” Pashinski said. “NEPA’s role is to be able to navigate through the complex process of acquiring those needed dollars and they NEPA Alliance has done an excellent job over the last 30 years.”

The event included two government contracting workshops with subject matter experts on how to do business with the federal government, as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Networking opportunities are an important part of GCS, and significant time was available for attendees to interact with exhibitors and others in attendance,” said Jeff Box, President/CEO at NEPA Alliance.

Exhibitors included Tobyhanna Army Depot; Picatinny Arsenal; BENCO Dental; Gentex; Luzerne County Transit Authority; Marywood University; PA Department of General Services; Wilkes University Small Business Development Center; Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center; Pennsylvania COSTARS Program; General Services Administration; and others.

“Today is about opportunities and learning how to seize them, and I commend you for being here to learn about new ways to grow your business,” Cartwright said. “When I meet with constituents throughout my district, I like to share with them the ways we can help bring federal tax dollars back home to the 8th Congressional District and outline what federal money is available to them through grants or government programs.”

Cartwright said he “strongly identifies” with the NEPA Alliance’s mission to enhance economic development opportunities and improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“When you think about doing businesses with the government, it is easy to think that those opportunities are solely reserved for large companies and corporations, but we’re here to tell you that these opportunities are available to businesses of all sizes,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright said small businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania are obtaining and fulfilling government contracts every day.

“For example, Golden Technologies sells mobility scooters made in Old Forge to Veterans Affairs hospitals across the county,” he said. “Medico Industries, based out of Wilkes-Barre, forges shells for our nation’s military.”

Cartwright, a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, said that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are two of the largest federal government purchasers.

“With a significant amount of money to spend, the DOD and the VA are looking for businesses like yours to meet the needs of the citizens they serve,” Cartwright said. “As small businesses, you help diversify our economy and have unique things to offer. It takes a certain amount of fearlessness and courage to open your own business. I admire the risks you have taken, and your attendance at this conference is an example of your commitment to reach out to new opportunities.”

Cartwright said being a small business owner is not easy.

“Know that I am inspired by your dedication and tenacity,” he said. “Small businesses are the engine of growth in our economy.”

U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_USCongressmanMattCartwright1.jpg.optimal.jpgU.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Butch Comegys | For Times Leader

U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_USCongressmanMattCartwright2.jpg.optimal.jpgU.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Butch Comegys | For Times Leader

U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Photo by Butch Comegys / For Times Leader
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_USCongressmanMattCartwright3.jpg.optimal.jpgU.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Photo by Butch Comegys / For Times LeaderButch Comegys | For Times Leader

U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_USCongressmanMattCartwright5.jpg.optimal.jpgU.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Butch Comegys | For Times Leader

U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright talks with Charmaine Jordon, CEO of Jordon Educational Consulting Company, which is based in Pike and Monroe counties, on Thursday after his speech during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase held at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_USCongressmanMattCartwright4.jpg.optimal.jpgU.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright talks with Charmaine Jordon, CEO of Jordon Educational Consulting Company, which is based in Pike and Monroe counties, on Thursday after his speech during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase held at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Government Contracting Showcase on Thursday at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Butch Comegys | For Times Leader

By Bill O’Boyle

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.