FROSTBURG, MD (November 22, 2000) - In the continuing effort to strengthen Maryland's position as a national leader in the high-tech economy, Maryland House Speaker Casper R. Taylor, Jr. has invited the Department of General Services (DGS) to unveil its new Internet-based procurement system, eMaryland Marketplace, in the Lane Center at Frostburg State University on Wednesday, November 29 at 10 a.m.
eMaryland Marketplace is revolutionizing the way State buyers do business. The Web site www.emarylandmarketplace.com) is also expected to deliver significant, in-your-pocket savings for the State as well as vendors who participate.
To introduce the business community to the new online purchasing service, companies from Allegany and Garrett counties area have been invited to send representatives to Frostburg on November 29 to attend the eMaryland Marketplace conference.
"eMaryland Marketplace provides greater opportunities for small businesses, secures competitive prices for the State, and enhances the efficiency and timeliness of the procurement process," said Speaker Taylor. "I want businesses not only in our Western Maryland region, but across the State to learn how this new technology provides an efficient means to improve the their access to State procurement information.
eMaryland Marketplace allows DGS to move forward on one of Governor Parris N. Glendening's top priorities, which is to make Maryland the national leader in delivering government services over the Internet.
Using the new e-commerce system, State purchasers can post competitive bid information online. Also from their computers, they can order from vendor catalogues - office products, toilet paper and even ice melt. eMaryland Marketplace is expected to speed transactions, reduce costs for paper, postage, printing and copying for the State and its vendors.
Participating businesses - especially small and minority businesses - will gain exposure to a larger number of opportunities. The State will benefit not only from process improvements but also from lower prices resulting from increased competition, aggregate buying power, and greater vendor efficiencies.
eMaryland Marketplace levels the playing field in the purchasing arena by allowing buyers to conduct business transactions and communications with vendors of any size over the Internet. Beginning with procurement of commodities costing less than $25,000, State agency buyers will use eMaryland Marketplace to perform the functions that have traditionally been accomplished using paper methods and manual entries into the State's financial information systems.
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NOTE TO REPORTERS:
For more information and news items about eMaryland Marketplace, visit the Web site at www.emarylandmarketplace.com
DIRECTIONS:
From the Hagerstown area, take I-70 West to I-68 at Hancock. Proceed to Exit 33 (2nd Frostburg exit). Bear right onto Midlothian Road and proceed about one mile to the main entrance to the campus.
From Cumberland: Take I-68 to Frostburg Exit 33 (2nd Frostburg exit). Bear right onto Midlothian Road and proceed about one mile to the main entrance to the campus.
From Garrett County and West: Take I-68 East to Exit 33. Turn left onto Midlothian Road and proceed about one mile to the main entrance of the campus.
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CONTACT:
Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us
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