City of Welland hosting regional purchasing open house to help local businesses connect and grow

The City of Welland is bringing municipalities together through a collaborative new event designed to strengthen local economies and foster transparent procurement practices.

On Thursday, September 25, the City will host a first-of-its-kind Purchasing Open House at the Welland Community Centre, bringing together procurement professionals from across Niagara. Participating municipalities include Niagara Region, the Town of Fort Erie, the Town of Lincoln, and the cities of Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, and St. Catharines.

Created as a regional networking and information-sharing event, the Purchasing Open House was developed to help local businesses better understand how municipal procurement works, and to break down barriers that may have discouraged smaller vendors from pursuing government contracts in the past.

“The goal is to make municipal purchasing more accessible, more understandable, and more collaborative,” said Adam Beres, manager of purchasing. “By coming together across municipal lines, we’re showing that we’re united in wanting to see more local businesses compete for and succeed in municipal work.”

The event provides a unique opportunity for businesses to connect directly with procurement teams, ask questions about the bidding process, and learn how to become a Vendor of Record or respond to public bids. Economic development staff are also participating, offering insight into the broader support available for businesses looking to grow within Niagara.

More than an information session, the open house marks a significant step toward a more inclusive and coordinated regional approach to procurement. It reflects Welland’s ongoing commitment to economic growth—a key priority in the City’s strategic plan—and supports a vision for a diverse, opportunity-rich economy driven by local partnerships.

The event also reflects a broader shift in how municipalities engage with their local suppliers. It sets the stage for future collaborations that can strengthen vendor networks, increase competition, and ensure that public dollars support the communities they serve.

Anyone interested in attending to learn more about municipal procurement and economic development opportunities can pre-register for free at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/purchasing-open-house-tickets-1542553251299.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Orlando
Communications Specialist
905-735-1700 x2133
paul.orlando@welland.ca