June 10, 2016

LaGuardia Community College Business Services’ 14th Annual Small Business and Procurement Expo

Con Edison Learning Center in Long Island City, NY

At a previous event, an attendee talks with one of DDC's MWBE representatives.

The 14th Annual Small Business Procurement Expo was held at the Con Edison Learning Center in Long Island City on June 10th, 2016. The annual event was organized by LaGuardia Business Service Center. The center’s main mission is to assist small businesses in competitively marketing their goods and services to Federal, State and Local Governments. 

• More information on LaGuardia Community College's Procurement Assistance Center (PTAC)

Almost 500 small business owners met and networked with City, State and Federal agencies. Exhibitors at the expo included several agencies, such as the Department of Design and Construction, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the New York City Economic Development Council. The event focused on procurement opportunities available to minority or woman-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) and small businesses.

As part of the diversity goals at the Department of Design and Construction, DDC staff tabled the event and discussed several contract bid opportunities available to MWBEs. “We plan to continue our efforts of creating an equitable and competitive business environment that facilitates procurement opportunities for the city’s MWBE community,” said Dr. Feniosky PeñaMora, Department of Design and Construction Commissioner.

Magalie D. Austin is the Chief Diversity and Industry Relations Officer for the Department of Design and Construction, and currently oversees the Office of Diversity and Industry Relations. The Office of Diversity and Industry Relations develops, implements, and monitors innovative policies and procedures to support minority and woman-owned business enterprises, as well as strengthen relationships with industry partners.