JUNE 4, 2007, FARMINGVILLE, NY—Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley and Congressman Tim Bishop on Monday hosted a networking meeting where Brookhaven Town businesses involved in defense, homeland security and federal and state programs got the chance to explore new opportunities with federal agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers, Brookhaven Lab and more.

   Entitled “Answering the Call,” the event drew an overflow crowd to Town Hall After opening remarks by Supervisor Foley and Congressman Bishop, officials from the Government Services Administration, the Small Business Administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Brookhaven National Lab explained their federal programs and procurement procedures. Numerous local businesses took advantage of this unique networking opportunity.

   “This was a new effort by the Town of Brookhaven to help its businesspeople expand their opportunities in the fields of defense and homeland security, and it was a great success,” said Supervisor Foley. “I thank all these federal agencies for reaching out to our local business community, and I thank Congressman Bishop for his invaluable assistance in reaching out to those agencies.

   “This is another example of our Economic Development Division finding innovative ways to expand opportunities for our local businesspeople. Reaching out to federal agencies in this effort to expand and strengthen the relationships our local businesses have with the federal government was an ambitious undertaking for a township. The Foley administration will do anything it can to make sure Brookhaven businesses have the opportunities they need to thrive.”

   “I am proud to be a partner with Supervisor Foley and his Economic Development Division to help local businesses network with federal agencies," said Congressman Bishop. “This event featured many Brookhaven small businesses who are continuing Long Island's proud tradition of strengthening our national defense and homeland security. Brookhaven Town will enjoy an important economic boost from local businesses doing more work with federal agencies.”

   “Today's event gave companies the opportunity to hear from government agencies and also to better understand how businesses can expand and develop within Brookhaven Town,” said Ben Gildea, manager of Homeland Security Solutions for 4-D Security Systems. “Such events are a great opportunity for small companies.”

Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677