Press Release

Reminder! Forum Will Highlight Promising Business Opportunities For Small, Women and Minority Businesses (Topeka) -- On Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 10:00am, IBSA, Inc. will sponsor a public forum, �OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Doing business on Fort Riley and in Junction City,� to explain immediate opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses interested in becoming a vendor, supplier or contractor of products and services on Ft. Riley and other Kansas military bases. Officials representing the Army Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES), Picerne Military Housing and Junction City Division of Economic Development will provide information on requirements for routine procurement activities, special opportunities created by construction projects in the area of housing and commercial developments, and incentives available for businesses looking to expand operation in Junction City-Geary County. IBSA and Co-Sponsor La Carib Catering & Event Planning invites small, women and minority-owned businesses to learn about opportunities surrounding the growth of Ft. Riley Military base and in Junction City, including, but not limited to, information on the following: How do small businesses go about getting their products into stores on military bases in Kansas? What type of products and services are a good fit for military personnel and the families? What incentives are available for businesses wanting to expand their presence to Junction City? What supplier diversity initiatives exist for small, women, minority, veteran and disadvantaged businesses? What type of construction contracts are immediately available on Ft. Riley and in the immediate area? Ms. Dodie Greenwalt of AAFES, Josh McKim with Junction City-Geary County Economic Development, and Guin Lewis from Picerne Military Housing will discuss their respective opportunities and answer questions about vending, concession services and contracting opportunities available for women and minority-owned businesses at a December 1 workshop at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library. Handouts will be provided to attendees. The Big Red One is coming back to Ft. Riley after being headquartered in Germany for 10 years. The additional soldiers heading to the area is sparking a region wide development that isn't expected to slow anytime soon. After the transition, the region will accommodate nearly 30,000 soldiers, support staff and family members and will have an enormous economic impact as this base continues to grow. Fort Riley was expected to see $1 billion in construction starting in 2006 whereas housing is growing in Junction City, Manhattan, St. George, Chapman, White City, Milford and Pottawatomie County. Along with small business owners, officials representing small business lending institutions, business development agencies and women & minority business associations are invited to attend so that business owners can identify resources to take advantage of the opportunities to be discussed. To find out more information about the "Open for Business" forum, please call Dawn Kirton in advance at 785-215-5123. ### About IBSA, Inc. IBSA is a nonprofit organization that provides direct employment and career counseling, microenterprise training & development and facilitates courses involving specialized training and certification. Since 1993, the agency has provided effective advocacy and comprehensive services to youth offenders, low-income parents and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand a business. MEDIA CONTACT: Lazone Grays, 785-232-4272 EVENT CONTACT: Dawn Kirton, Forum Coordinator 785-215-5123

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