Stay Informed!

Josephs: expanding opportunities for minority-, women-owned business

PHILADELPHIA, March 19 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., is hosting a program this Friday to encourage minority- and women-owned small businesses to seek contracts with the state.

Pennsylvania has been looking to increase its involvement with such businesses, and Josephs, who is majority chairwoman of the House State Government Committee, is hosting this event to encourage the connection between women- and minority-owned businesses and the state. The State Government Committee oversees the department that deals with state contracts.

"Minority- and women-owned small businesses unfortunately are still a rarity in doing business with the Commonwealth," Josephs said. "It's important that we do all that we can to encourage their development and participation. This program will allow women and minority entrepreneurs to network and learn more about how to make their businesses more successful."

The program will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 23 at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The public is invited to attend.

Small-business owners will have the opportunity to learn from such experts as:

Manik Arora, president and CEO of Arora Engineers Inc., whose key projects include the Philadelphia airport's terminals information display system and Cheyney University infrastructure renovations.

Michael Pearson, CEO of Union Packaging, a manufacturer of folding cartons for the quick service restaurant market. It supplies McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King.

Pat Sanford, CEO, Alexander Perry Inc., an interior design and project management company, whose projects include the convention center expansion and several city school renovations.

Craig Williams, president and CEO of Pride Enterprises Inc., a builder and construction manager, whose clients include Philadelphia YMCA, U.S. departments of Defense, Interior and Veterans Affairs.

Luis Torrado, president of Torrado Construction Co. Inc., which has renovated the chemical lab for the USDA, U.S. Postal Service parking lot renovation and media blast booth at the Naval Business Center.

The program will feature a panel of entrepreneurs, as well as representatives from the government, nonprofit and private sectors, and time for networking.

To register for the program, which is being presented by the Pennsylvania SBDC network, please contact The Wharton School at 215-898-4861.