BEST Supplier Fair Connects Local Manufacturers, Suppliers

Suppliers line up to speak with manufacturers General Dynamics and Agilent to showcase their capabilities. (view more photos)

On Friday, July 25, Sonoma County BEST held its inaugural Tech Industry Supplier Fair at the Redwood Credit Union Community Room. The event aimed to connect local technology-based companies to local components suppliers as a way to increase local business purchasing dollars inside the county.

Nearly 40 supplier companies attended the event, along with nine local manufacturers including Agilent, JDSU and Medtronic. Many connections were made as suppliers were able to talk with purchasing agents from the various manufacturers.

"An excellent assembly of technology customers and a very efficient use of time. I made valuable contacts," says Peter O’Brien from Wright Engineered Plastics, Inc.

Over the next few months, BEST will be following up and tracking any business that happens because of the supplier fair in order for BEST to accurately report the outcome.

"Our ongoing goal is to assist original equipment manufacturers in Sonoma County to find suppliers and business partners quickly and easily by establishing local connections," says Rich Schroeder, former General Manager of General Dynamics in Healdsburg and now Chair of the BEST TIG. "The Supplier Fair is a perfect example of our mission to facilitate technology based industry collaboration and leverage resources to the benefit of local businesses."