The workshop, presented through the collaborative efforts of the Title III Program at Bluefield State College, the Regional Contract Assistance Center (RCAC), Inc., and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Southwest Virginia Community College, is designed to assist business owners interested in expanding their opportunities and markets. Other topics of emphasis include considering innovative methods for utilizing research, marketing, and technical assistance.

Dr. Felica Blanks, Director of the Title III Program at BSC, noted, "This workshop can be very valuable for college personnel because a requirement of SBIR participants is that they work with higher education faculty and staff in implementing their plans for expansion and innovation."

Fisher was a featured presenter at the National SBIR Conference in Bellevue, WA last month. He was promoted to DoD SBIR Program Manager last June.

Representatives of the West Virginia Development Office will also attend the session, which begins with at 8:30 a.m., January 16, following an 8 a.m. registration. The program concludes at noon. Registration fee of $15 per participant includes light refreshments. To register, make checks payable to "RCAC," and mail to Regional Contract Assistance Center, Inc., 11 1 6 Smith St., Suite 202, Charleston, WV 25301. On-line registration may be completed at: http://wwwrcacwvcom" under the link "Workshops and Conferences."

"This workshop will provide meaningful, relevant information, including an explanation of the 'West Virginia PROMISE Program,"' Dr. Blanks continued. "Participants can develop a greater understanding of the support available for various phases of the Small Business Innovative Research Program.