The Tennessee APEX Accelerator, part of the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), recently partnered together to host the Valley Meet-up. The event was an invitation-only virtual matchmaking session designed specifically for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Government Industrial Base (GIB) manufacturers, distributors, and service firms. It provided a targeted opportunity for those companies to engage and connect with key federal, state, and local agencies and organizations who participated as buyers at the event.

The event brought together more than 140 suppliers (representing 100 Tennessee-based businesses) and over 50 buyers (representing 47 agencies), with 366 meetings held in total.

Among those participating was Patrick D’Amico with the Defense Logistics Agency. According to D’Amico, having this event in a virtual environment was beneficial. “The ability to conduct targeted outreach without travel costs is a major advantage. This format also allows small businesses – many of which are owner-operated – to participate without stepping away from daily operations.”

Buyers who participated made valuable connections with suppliers who are well positioned to meet current and upcoming needs.

Stephanie Bice with the City of Chattanooga said, “I met with six vendors who had not previously done business with the City of Chattanooga. Of those, three aligned with active solicitations. The remaining vendors registered to do business with the city, opening the door for future opportunities. This was my first event and I was very impressed.”

Karen Binkley of the University of Tennessee stated, “The suppliers were well-vetted and well-prepared. I made more viable connections than expected and have already begun follow-up with several suppliers. I am also forwarding multiple capability statement to UTK Facilities Service and UTK Research to support additional connections.”

Suppliers were equally enthusiastic about the meaningful connections they were able to make through the matchmaking process.

Laura Stooksbury with Blue Ridge Tech Solutions said, “This event provided Blue Ridge Tech with four opportunities for capabilities briefings with four different agencies/companies. It also delivered specific, actionable guidance on increasing exposure and leveraging mentor-protégé programs.” 

West Tennessee APEX Accelerator Counselor Veronica Clark said, “The Valley Meet-Up demonstrated the power of intentional connection – bringing together government and industry in a way that created real opportunities, not just conversations. Seeing those 366 meetings translate into follow-ups, capabilities briefings, and new partnerships is exactly the kind of impact our entire team aims to deliver through the APEX Accelerator.”

By providing buyers and suppliers with matchmaking opportunities like the Valley Meet-Up, the APEX Accelerator helps to strengthen the domestic industrial capacity and ensure supply chain resilience.