DECA FOOD EXPOSITION & CONFERENCE -- - SEPTEMBER 9, 1999 SUBJECT: FOOD EXPOSITION & CONFERENCE FOR DeCA The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is pleased to announce the Northern Area Small Business "Grocery Trends into the Next Millennium" Conference and Food Exposition to be held on September 9, 1999 at the Fort Lee Officers' & Civilians' Club in Fort Lee, Virginia. The theme of the conference "Grocery Trends into the Next Millennium" will address important challenges and changes facing small businesses. This conference brings together small business leaders and key DeCA decision-makers, from the strategic level to the functional level. It provides a forum for direct exchange of information and ideas between DeCA officials and small business leaders. A significant feature of the conference is the capability for companies to introduce and display their products to DeCA officials and receive possible on-the-spot selection of food products for resale in the commissary. There will also be exhibition opportunities for networking and time for addressing individual questions and concerns to Government and industry officials. Embrace the future with DeCA and together we can lead the dance of military quality of life. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is the premier organization that ensures military readiness and retention of quality personnel by providing a valuable part of the military compensation package. DeCA's mission is to provide an efficient and effective worldwide system of commissaries (294 stores) for resale of groceries and household supplies to commissary patrons at the lowest practical price, consistent to quality. Incumbent in this mission is DeCA's small business program, which plays an essential role in addressing the issues of small businesses. More critically, our mission encompasses ensuring that a fair proportion of DeCA's total purchases, contracts, subcontracts and other agreements for equipment, supplies and services are placed with socioeconomic business concerns when doing so results in sound business decisions for DeCA. Last yearthe Defense Commissary Agency award approximately 52% of its contracts to small businesses. If you are interested in being an exhibitor at this event call National Conference Services, Inc. (NCSI) at 301-596-8899 ext.232, Ramon Ramirez. If you are interested in being an attendee call 301-596-8899 ext.202, Christie Guillen. Also, for more information, including a conference agenda and on-line registration, please visit our website at www.ncsievents.com This event is being hosted by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Acquisition Management and Marketing Business Unit. WEB: Government Expos and Conferences, http://www.ncsievents.com. E-MAIL: DeCA Food Exposition & Conference -- - September 9,, guillen@ncsievents.com. Posted 09/02/99 (W-SN375788).

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