DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis announces that the Department of Purchasing and Contracting will host its 13th Annual Small Business Development Conference on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott (formerly Holiday Inn), 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA 30030. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; breakfast and conference start at 8:30 a.m.

 This year’s conference is designed with small business owners in mind, with a focus on local small businesses and prime contractors. The conference includes more than 15 workshops where speakers will share information geared toward small business development.  This year’s keynote speaker is Phil Wilkins, CEO of the new Atlanta-based Smashburger franchise and former McDonald’s franchise owner.

All attendees will have the opportunity to network with hundreds of executives, business owners, prime contractors, corporate suppliers, diversity officers, and federal, state and local government agencies. The conference also includes a full breakfast and a musical performance by Kasper and the 9-1-1 Band during the reception. 

Registration is $65 per person. For more information, call 404-371-4730 or email contract@dekalbcountyga.gov, or register online at http://dekalbcounty2012sbdc.eventbrite.com.