FREE SAN BERNARDINO SMALL BUSINESS EXPO

SAN FRANCISCO, April 16, 2009 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today announced it will co-sponsor a free San Bernardino Small Business Expo and Matchmaking Fair, with Commissioner John A. Bohn moderating a workshop on “Connecting Businesses with State and Utility Contracts”.



WHAT: San Bernardino Small Business Expo and Matchmaking Fair, co-sponsored by the CPUC and Sempra Energy Utilities (San Diego Gas and Electric and Southern California Gas). The event includes:

· Workshop on “Connecting Businesses with State and Utility Contracts”, moderated by Commissioner Bohn

· Matchmaking forum to learn of contracting opportunities firsthand

· One-on-one meetings with procurement specialist from major utilities, local government, and state agencies

· Vendor Fair



WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2009, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SCHEDULE

7 a.m.-8 a.m.: Registration and Matchmaking Signups and Complimentary Continental Breakfast

8 a.m.-9 a.m.: Workshop with Q&A Opportunities

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Matchmaking Session and Vendor Visits


WHERE: Hilton San Bernardino - Ballroom

285 East Hospitality Lane,San Bernardino


WHY: Learn how to obtain state and utility contracts and sell goods and services. Obtain valuable information on financial services, bonding/insurance, and pre-paid legal services.



“The CPUC participates in small business events throughout the state to help connect small businesses to utilities and government procurement specialists,” said Commissioner Bohn. “Through our Small Business Program we hope to educate businesses on the benefits of becoming certified as a small business, woman-owned, minority owned, and/or disabled veteran-owned business. We also provide networking opportunities to show small businesses how to get in the door with utility companies.”



California State Agencies are under Executive Order to conduct 25 percent of their procurement and contracts with small businesses and 3 percent with Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises. These small business programs complement the CPUC’s Supplier Diversity Program, which encourages participating utilities to increase procurement levels with women, minority, and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.



PARTICIPANTS:

Expo Tables: Matchmaking Tables:

Small Business Administration (SBA)
CalTrans
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Cal State University San Bernardino
The Federal Technology Center
Veterans Business Outreach Center
CalTrans (California Department of Transportation)
PG&E
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Sempra Energy Utilities
Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) California Public Utilities Commission
Cal State University San Bernardino California Water Association
California Highway Patrol
Inland Empire Women Business Center
Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship
CalPERS
Pacific American Indian Development
San Bernardino International Airport
Department of Corrections
Department of Water Resources
San Bernardino Unified School District
San Bernardino City Economic Development Council
San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone
San Bernardino Employment & Training Agency
AT&T
Verizon
Southern California Edison
Sempra Energy Utilities (SDG&E, SoCalGas)
California Water Association
Asian, Inc. Supplier Clearinghouse
California Public Utilities Commission
Liatti & Associates Commercial Insurance
Pre-Paid Legal Services

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, as walk-ins are welcome. Those participating in the matchmaking fair are encouraged to register in advance by e-mail at smallbiz@cpuc.ca.gov . Please include company name, contact information, and type of business.

For more information on the CPUC’s Small Business Program, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/smbus.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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The County of San Bernardino Purchasing Department has just joined the
agenda for the San Bernardino Small Business Expo, and will be presenting
two workshops on ³How to Do Business with the County of San Bernardino² at
10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. No registration is required and each session will
last approximately 25 minutes.

When: Thursday, April 30, 2009

Where: San Bernardino Hilton
285 East Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92408

The event is free to the public, including parking, and more information is
available at:

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/NEWS_RELEASE/99845.htm