Monroe County encourages local businesses to register for upcoming government and defense contracting forum and matchmaker event on October 13

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County Executive Adam Bello is encouraging small businesses across the Rochester region to register for the 6th Annual Government and Defense Contracting Forum & Matchmaker, scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Woodcliff Hotel in Fairport.

The one-day event will bring together local companies and representatives from major government and defense organizations, offering businesses an opportunity to explore contracts, establish professional relationships, and learn more about working with public agencies and defense contractors.

Registration is available online ahead of the event, while businesses can also sign up in person on the morning of October 13.

Organizers are inviting companies from several industries, including manufacturing, construction, and technology, as well as small businesses developing innovative products and services.

Among the organizations expected to participate are Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, Micron Technology, federal agencies, and local government representatives.

The forum is designed to help businesses connect directly with potential buyers and better understand the requirements involved in securing government and defense contracts.

Congressman Joe Morelle, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, the Monroe County-Upstate NY APEX Accelerator, and COMIDA are hosting the event in collaboration with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development APEX.

“Rochester has long been a national leader in innovation and advanced manufacturing, and we have an important role to play in strengthening America’s defense industrial base,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to join this forum as we help connect the ingenuity of our local businesses with new opportunities to grow, create good-paying jobs, and contribute to our national security.”

Read also: New York Attorney General Letitia James permanently bans former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky from the financial industry over investor fraud

The event will place particular attention on industries and technologies considered important to the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

This year’s discussions will focus on critical technology areas within the defense industrial base, giving participants information about emerging needs and potential opportunities for businesses operating in those sectors.

One of the featured speakers will be Kris Baxter, corporate vice president and general manager of the Auto Embedded Business Unit at Micron Technology, Inc.

Baxter will deliver the luncheon keynote address, focusing on the importance of microelectronics and their role in supporting critical industries.

The program will also include sessions covering innovation funding, developing business relationships that can lead to contracts, and the technology and manufacturing industries operating throughout the Rochester region.

These discussions are intended to help companies understand how they can become involved in government contracting and identify opportunities to expand their operations.

For smaller businesses, the forum offers access to organizations that may otherwise be difficult to connect with directly.

County Executive Bello emphasized the importance of the local APEX Accelerator program in helping companies establish those relationships.

“Our annual Government and Defense Contracting Forum & Matchmaker highlights the vital role our local APEX program plays in bridging the gap between innovative small businesses and major defense buyers, driving economic growth across our region. By facilitating these critical connections, we are empowering local manufacturers to secure contracts that strengthen the national defense industrial base,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Thank you to Congressman Joe Morelle for his fierce advocacy and steadfast leadership in championing this program for Monroe County.”

The APEX Accelerators program provides assistance to businesses interested in competing for government contracts at the military, federal, state, and local levels.

Its services are available free of charge and are designed to support both established companies and businesses entering government contracting for the first time.

The program also works to strengthen the defense industrial base by encouraging innovation, supporting business development, and helping establish reliable and diverse supply chains.

Read also: Governor Hochul announces $49 million expansion of Solstice Advanced Materials in Buffalo that will create new jobs and strengthen research operations

Through these services, APEX Accelerators help companies navigate government contracting opportunities while supporting broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and technology capabilities.

The October 13 forum will bring those resources together with participating buyers and industry representatives in one location.

Organizers hope the connections established during the event will help local businesses pursue new contracts, expand their customer networks, and contribute to economic development across Monroe County.
Businesses interested in attending the 6th Annual Government and Defense Contracting Forum & Matchmaker can find additional information and register through the official website at MonroeUpstateNYAPEX.org.