Business View Magazine | April 2020

156 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 more room for collaboration instead. “We’re the only ones playing in this arena locally, just because of Crane’s magnitude,” he explains. “I’ve heard of other Chambers doing trade shows and vendor fairs, but not for government contracts.” He feels very fortunate that the Bedford Chamber and its partnering entities are in a position that benefits so deeply from the Warfare Center’s size, scope, and expense. “Crane, being right here in Southern Indiana, is lucky for us,” Myers says. “We’re privileged to have such a large naval base nearby that employs so many people in the County. And then to be an active Chamber and have that kind of connection, it’s just unique in that way. There aren’t many others, I don’t think, that would have the kind of access that we do to the federal government.” While some conventions encourage members of the public to gather in a place to discuss and engage in a common interest, the Buy Indiana Expo is mainly focused on educating its vendors on how to conduct business with NSWC Crane. “There’s not a whole lot of information out there about the event because it’s so specific,” Myers admits. “When I’ve walked around the Expo before, the conversations I’ve heard between the vendors and the engineers or purchasers from Crane have been so industry-specific. They’re talking to the right people about their product, and they’re showcasing it to individuals that see the relevance of what they have to offer. It’s not for the general public in that it isn’t something the average citizen would find beneficial.” The cost for vendors to attend is $300. This secures their booth space and gives them access to the breakout sessions—workshops offered by NSWC Crane to help companies better understand how to do business with them. “The breakout sessions are a great opportunity for people to grow in their knowledge of the defense development space,” declares Myers. The Bedford Chamber also allows people to walk through the event that don’t have a booth. The cost of admission is then $150. “You would also get to attend the breakout sessions and network Specializing in manufacturing parts for all branches of the DoD and DoD Contractors. J&R Tool is a build-to-print facility, near Loogootee, that is comprised of 12 employees and incorporates the use of 4 CNC Vertical Milling machines, CNC Lathes, a CNC Omax Waterjet machine, Darley Safan 100 ton electric press brake, manual mills and lathes, surface grinders, and a laser engraver. J&R Tool also has a paint and powder coating facility. We are a full machine shop with over 25 years’ experience in manufacturing and over 15 years’ experience specializing in manufacturing parts for the DoD and DoD Contractors. J&R Tool also offers in-house coatings such as Conversion coating, Passivation, CARC Paint & Powder, and Mil Spec paints & powders. 812-295-2557 MILLING • WATERJET CUTTING • WELDING • COATINGS LASER ENGRAVING • SHEET METAL FABRICATION