Metro to Assist Businesses at 13th Annual Greater Los Angeles Vendor Fair April 12

Friday March 24, 2006

Businesses interested in contracting with Metro, the county’s lead transportation planner, designer, builder and operator are encouraged to participate in the 13th Annual Greater Los Angeles Vendor Fair to be held April 12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Metro will join a host of other major city and county agencies to provide information businesses need to vie for millions of dollars in agency contracts. Fair organizers will present contract opportunities, introduce business leaders to agency procurement personnel, and provide networking opportunities during the day-long event.

The fair also will include a trade show comprising a variety of vendors that provide specialized products and services for businesses working with public agencies.

This year’s fair theme is “Business Opportunities Lead to Great Enterprises,” and will focus on agencies’ mission to make significant contributions to the Southern California economy.

“As one of the region’s largest public agencies, Metro is well-suited to helping businesses compete for and obtain agency contracts,” said Lonnie Mitchell, Executive Officer of Metro’s Procurement & Material Management Department. “We have special programs and services that can assist companies through every step of the process, from registering to do business with us to competing for, receiving and fulfilling agency contracts.”

Metro’s Procurement & Material Management Department is committed to providing opportunities for all vendors interested in meeting the goods and services needs for Metro's planning, operations and construction activities. Additionally, Metro’s Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department will help small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses participate in Metro’s contracts by certifying eligible small firms and monitoring their prompt payments.

Admission to the Greater Los Angeles Vendor Fair is $65 ($55 before March 26) and includes entry to all exhibit areas, admission to all workshops, luncheon and buyers guide that includes a staff directory of all sponsoring agencies’ procurement departments. A $15 ticket includes all of the above but does not include the luncheon.

Vendor fair host agencies include Metro, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, L.A. Unified School District, and the City and County of Los Angeles.

For more information about the Greater Los Angeles Vendor Fair or to obtain a schedule of workshops, visit www.lavendorfair.com. To Learn more about Metro’s contract opportunities, visit www.metro.net.