On Friday, April 20, 2012, Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, in conjunction with ADF Networking Consultancy, Inc. and the California Public Utilities Commission will present the Inland Empire Small Business Spring Procurement Expo at the San Bernardino Hilton Hotel located at 285 E. Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino. The Expo is FREE of charge to all small and diverse business participants.

"As a small business owner, I know the vital role that the small business sector plays in our communities and economic life. I encourage attendees to take advantage of everything the expo has to offer," said Assembly Member Carter.

This Procurement Expo provides an opportunity for small business owners to connect directly with procurement officers and decision makers from major utility, federal, state, and local government agencies. California Senator Curren Price, Chair of the Select Committee on Procurement, will give the keynote address, and several utility agencies will host a panel presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one business matchmaking sessions with procurement specialists from utility agencies, engage with exhibitors, network with fellow business owners, and attend a series of workshops.

Gwen Moore, retired Assembly Member chaired the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee for 14 years, and authored the historic General Order 156 legislation which opened the utility rate setting process to greater public scrutiny and greatly expanded contracting opportunities for small businesses will also speak at the expo.

"When I took over the Committee some California utilities were doing less than one- tenth of one percent of their business with small and minority businesses. Today that percentage is around 30 to 35 percent," said Moore.

The U.S. government alone spends more than $350 billion annually on various products and services. Contracts from $2,500 up to $100,000 must be set aside for small businesses, yet many small companies don't know how to access this market. A special certification workshop conducted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) will cover the 8(a) Business Development program, HUB Zone empowerment contracting program, and the Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) government contracting program.

"We encourage all businesses to attend the expo and present their products and services to the decision makers. We also encourage small businesses to become certified as Minority, Woman, Veterans or Small Business Enterprises," said Frances Grice, President of ADF Networking Consultancy, Inc.


RSVP by April 16, 2012 to secure a matchmaking appointment.

Registration includes complimentary continental breakfast, admission to the business matchmaking session, all presentations, exhibits, and workshops.

To RSVP, contact Sheila Futch at (909) 820-5008, or email: sheila.futch@asm.ca.gov