In only its second year, the annual Regional Contracting Forum has become a local institution and a valuable resource for small businesses seeking to do business with local government agencies (and major private companies with government contracts).Return to Regional Contracting Forum Page
In only its second year, the annual Regional Contracting Forum has become a local institution and a valuable resource for small businesses seeking to do business with local government agencies (and major private companies with government contracts).
The event, co-sponsored by the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit, City of Lynnwood, Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises and King County, once again took place at Sound Transit Union Station in Seattle.
Alec Stephens, Sound Transit's Diversity Program Manager, welcomed event participants with a succinct statement that the event was intended to "impart information to enable you to compete successfully on contracting opportunities with participating agencies."
Welcoming comments were also provided by Vernon Stoner of Sound Transit, Ron Sims and George Northcroft of King County and Carolyn Crowson of the state OMWBE office.
Throughout the day specific information was presented by representatives of local agencies. The presentations were grouped into general areas so that a firm's personnel could attend an area that coincided with its area(s) of interest: goods and services opportunities (moderated by René Finnie, Port of Seattle), consulting opportunities (moderated by Nancy Locke, City of Lynnwood), resources (moderated by Cathy Canorro, OMWBE), a bonding panel (moderated by Ms. Canorro) and construction opportunities (moderated by Lori Weston, King County Office of Business Relations & Economic Development).
In the adjoining hall, there were numerous informational tables staffed by representatives of government procurement offices, private firms and resource agencies (e.g. SBA, OMWBE).
Hidalgo Gomez works for a major local plumbing contractor and is in the process of starting his own small plumbing firm with a view towards working on major public works projects. Says Gomez, "I now know where I can get help in starting my business and how to find possible business opportunities with the government. Today has been a big help."
Other persons attending the forum (registration was estimated at over 500) expressed similar opinions with comments such as "that was easy" and "today was a worthwhile of investment of my time - and was free!"
The day concluded with a reception hosted by the Women's Transportation Seminar.