More than 600 small business contractors gathered in matchmaking sessions at an expo sponsored by the State Department at the Westin Alexandria Wednesday. 
    
The conference aimed to foster partnerships between small businesses and the federal department.
    
This is your chance to talk to people who have the funds, who have the resources you need, said Shapleigh Drisko, a department spokesman.
    
Mayor Euille shared his experiences of starting a contracting business before visitors parted into workshops hosted by department representatives.