The GPCC Supplier Network series has spelled success for many of our small business members as they network with Greater Philadelphia’s leading corporations and compete for large bids.

April graduate Margie Kelly, Account Executive, Consolidated Drake Press, a high-performance printer of corporate material, has secured four contracts with Day & Zimmermann, a Supplier Network Supporting Company, and is vying for two more. Understanding that often times it is difficult for small businesses to make the proper connection with large regional corporations, Kelly joined the Supplier Network to earn face-to-face networking time with some of the region’s top companies.

"Centralizing 16 vendors into one room, all of which are potentially in the market to work with small suppliers, was priceless," Kelly said. "I could have knocked on 300 doors, but the soft sell is what fostered these contracts. I recently completed an annual report for another Supplier Network Supporting Company, and that validation really gave me a competitive edge. During our follow-up call, Day & Zimmermann’s procurement officer connected me with the appropriate purchasing contact within his company. "

Day & Zimmermann Director Corporate Procurement, Jack Donahue, said that the networking sessions at the conclusion of the Supplier Network Series created a perfect opportunity for him to identify possible business relationship quickly and efficiently.

"Day and Zimmermann, as a routine, will competitively bid this type of work, and our preference is to source local companies for our bid requests. It was timely that I met with Ms. Kelly because Day & Zimmermann was in the process of sourcing printing companies," Donahue said. "The Supplier Network allowed me to connect with the correct person and satisfy my company’s need."