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Officials of the Teaming to Win Conference announce that after a successful 25-year run, the conference held in May of 2015 was the last in the series.

“The original goal of the Teaming to Win Conference—to grow a healthy sector of firms engaged in federal government procurement in North Central West Virginia—has been achieved,” said Shelly Montgomery, president of the Teaming to Win Board of Directors.

“Literally thousands of individuals have participated in the Teaming to Win Conferences over the past 25 years, and they had a chance to learn of Federal opportunities, identify potential teaming partners, and establish contracts that resulted in job creation and economic growth,” Montgomery added.

“When those agencies moved to West Virginia, then-Congressman Alan Mollohan and Barbara Weaver, U.S. Small Business Administration, wanted to make sure that our small businesses in West Virginia had the skills and expertise to successfully bid on work associated with those agencies,” she added.

Firms supporting the federal anchor facilities in West Virginia have not only created good-paying jobs, but have created a base of intellectual capital with the added benefit of a high rate of security clearances, giving the region an added edge.

Studies by the High Technology Foundation show higher wages in the North Central West Virginia region, largely a result of the higher-skilled jobs associated with supporting those federal agencies.

The group cited changes in the federal procurement landscape, reduced travel budgets, and declining resources as contributing factors in the decision to end the annual event.

Montgomery offered thanks on behalf of the entire board to the corporate sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible over the last 25 years, noting that without their input, the conferences would not have been possible.

“We’re grateful to everyone who had a hand in Teaming to Win—from our generous corporate sponsors and many influential guest speakers who took the time to share their knowledge with the group,” she said.

Newcomers to the procurement process won’t be left in the cold, however, other events will continue to offer instruction and business development advice.  The Affiliate Services Group at the High Technology Foundation offers quarterly lunch and learn events, and the I-79 Development Council hosts its DyNet Conference in multiple locations.  Meanwhile, the U.S. Small Business Administration hosts a variety of events to serve and advance small business prospects.