Join the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Rufus Gates of the Mission Installation Contracting Command for Third Thursday Business Builder on March 15 to learn tips and resources to maximize your business opportunities. With the recent expansion and development on Fort Gordon, including more than 40 new projects coming online, there are multiple services and functions needed in addition to construction support.

This month’s featured presenter, Rufus Gates, has served in numerous contracting positions including Contract Specialist, Contracting Officer, Quality Assurance and Compliance Officer, Procurement Analysis and Small Business Specialist. As the Small Business Specialist for MICC, Rufus is responsible for facilitating the submission process for small business service providers in connection with contracts up to $5.5 million that support daily operations of the Fort Gordon garrison, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and assigned tenant activities.

Rufus Gates Jr. retired from the Army in 1999 after more than 21 years of active duty. He is a graduate of Wayland Baptist University with a degree in Business Administration. Rufus began his contracting career at the former Northern Region Contracting Center at Fort Eustis, VA as a Department of the Army Intern. Upon graduation from the internship program, he was assigned to the Mission Division of the Northern Region Contracting Center as a Contract Specialist. In 2005, he transferred to Augusta, GA to work at the Department of Veteran Affairs VISN 7 contracting office. In January 2012, he transferred to the Mission and Installation Contracting Command contracting office at Fort Gordon where he serves as the Small Business Specialist.

The Third Thursday Business Builder seminar will be held at the Augusta Metro Chamber office and begins at 11:30 am with lunch provided. Attendance is complimentary for Chamber members, $15 for prospective-members. Advanced registration is required at AugustaMetroChamber.com.

Deadline to register is Monday, March 12. Due to limited space, please limit to one representative from each company.