The 25th annual Buy Indiana Expo is returning to the French Lick Resort’s Exhibition Hall on April 16.
The event is expected to attract about 200 companies seeking to do business with the Department of Defense via the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.
The Jasper Chamber of Commerce is this year’s sponsoring chamber of the Buy Indiana Expo. NSWC Crane will send staff from its procurement and business departments to engage with the businesses.
“We always have good attendance at the Buy Indiana Expo,” said Nancy Eckerle, executive director of the Jasper Chamber. “Some of the companies have long-standing contracts with Crane, and others want to get those contracts.”
In addition to the expo, several workshops will be offered to guide companies on doing business with the DoD.
Eckerle said the companies that attend the Buy Indiana Expo continue to change as the needs of NSWC Crane evolve.
“Although many companies are the same from year to year, there are always new ones, and the items they are showcasing have changed,” she said. “You’re seeing items and services that are more technical and modern. I’m excited to see what’s there this year.”
With a daytime population of 6,500, NSWC Crane is a city all in itself, and that is reflected in the companies that attend the expo.
“In addition to providing items that Crane needs to supply and support our military, Crane also needs services like landscaping and food services,” she said.
The Buy Indiana Expo will open with the presentation of colors by a color guard from Jasper and the singing of the national anthem.
