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ALBANY, GA -- Hundreds of representatives from companies across the country were in Albany Thursday trying to rub shoulders and score contracts with the military.

Events at the civic center are usually concerts or panther games. But Thursday, it was a military zone.

“It's the first day of a two day trade show, where we bring large corporations, small businesses and representatives from the united states government in order to provide a forum for small businesses to showcase their capabilities,” said Maj. Gen Chuck Hudson of LOGCOM.

More than one-hundred vendors were out trying to showcase their products and services. But the best way to get their products to the front line is by greasing some wheels today.

Steve brewer: “Whether that means that they are going to have an opportunity for extended service life, service intervals, handle soot, dirt, water all sorts of bad conditions and environments we want to give them products that are going to give them that ability,” said Steve Brewer, a representative as Schaeffer, a company who makes oil and grease for tanks and humvees.
 
Many companies at the show are from out of town and out of state, and that's a good thing for Albany.

“It allows us to showcase, not only the marine corps logistics base but probably more importantly the greater Albany area, with perhaps the intent that we can lure some of those organizations that are not from here perhaps into the greater Albany area,” said Maj. Gen Hudson.

But there are also other companies right from our own backyard they say the show also give them a chance to see what the rest of the industry is doing.

“We want to find out what's going on in the industry. What other ways we can help, what other ways we can assist the war fighter. Because it's all about trying to get on the base to find out what the needs are so we can meet those needs,” said Frank Lamb of Lawson Industries.