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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TO RSVP
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