The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Minority and Women Business Owners Committee today held Mastering the Procurement Process – A Minority and Women Business Owner’s Event at Brooklyn Borough Hall. The event, aimed at local business owners, was designed to help them qualify, identify and bid on contracting opportunities at the federal, state and local levels, as well as within the private sector.

"The Chamber is pleased to bring procurement information directly to Brooklyn businesses and to host Lieutenant Governor Paterson at Brooklyn Borough Hall," said Jeanette Nigro, vice president of workforce and training. “We hope this event gives local businesses the tools they need to become certified and take advantage of opportunities that are available.”

Agencies including U.S. General Services Administration, Port Authority of NY & NJ, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York State Office of General Services, Dormitory Authority of New York State (DASNY) and the School Construction Authority were on hand to assess potential vendors.

Lieutenant Governor David Paterson, who delivered the keynote address, discussed new and emerging MWBO programs and his related work with the legislature in Albany to create wider access to opportunities for these businesses. Since assuming his post, he has been at the forefront of new initiatives for minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs) and currently chairs the state’s MWBE Leadership Council and the MWBE Corporate Roundtable.

"It is events like these that provide the foundation for the sustainability and growth of minority and women owned businesses. I am glad to join the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in providing this wonderful opportunity to educate and promote businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Paterson. “Together we will help improve their ability to compete for valuable public and private contracts, changing the culture that has historically locked out MWBEs."

The event provided a chance for local businesses to learn about contracting opportunities with a series of breakout sessions hosted by industry leaders.

Scott Munson of the New York State Contract Reporter, the centralized publication of all state procurement activity, explained government procurement opportunities and how to use the NYS Contract Reporter.

Exxon Mobil’s Jodi Donley presented, “Doing Business With Fortune 1,000 Companies: General Procurement Information,” which featured speakers from the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, Inc. and the Women's Business Enterprise Council.

Marian Corbitt and Elaine Whitehead, both of the NYS Office of General Services, discussed bidding opportunities with OGS for commodities and construction related projects.

Sam Dunston, president of National Allotment Insurance Agency and co-chair of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s MWBO Committee, said, “This is a great opportunity to showcase the Brooklyn business community and provide a valuable service to MWBOs.”