23 Oct 2002
DISD TO HOLD SATURDAY TRADE FAIR FOR BENEFIT OF INCREASING MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL BOND PROGRAM
Moses: Minority & Women-Owned Businesses To Learn Systems, Meet Contacts For Potential Business
DALLAS—During an upcoming construction trade fair Saturday, minority owned business leaders from throughout the region will have the opportunity to learn about the requirements for doing business with the Dallas Independent School District, and meet vital contacts as the district moves toward construction via the largest education bond election in the history of Texas.
"All area business leaders, including minority owned businesses, and those involved in the construction industry, are being encouraged to attend the Dallas Independent School District construction trade fair," said Superintendent Mike Moses during a news conference on Wednesday with officials from the district, as well as minority business owners who said they have benefited from such meetings in the past.
"We will provide detailed information about our plans for stepping up the activities in the bond program, provide a forum for vendors to meet key district personnel, and provide educational workshops on certification and bonding insurance required to do business on a project of this magnitude," Moses said.
Saturday's conference, which runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be held at Eddie Dean's Ranch, which is located at 944 South Lamar Street in Dallas.
"Typically, we don't hold a news conference to promote a Saturday trade conference, but the importance of this event and the value we place on attracting minority and women-owned businesses necessitates that we reach out to the public in this fashion and remind everyone how dedicated we are to meeting the district's goals of minority participation," Moses said.
During the conference, district program managers, various architects and engineers, as well as officials from various certification agencies will be in attendance. The event is being held compliments of the district's M/WBE and Bond Program departments.
The superintendent also said the district will be providing an update on the bond program to all participants. In January of 2002, Dallas voters approved a $1.36 billion bond election—the highest education bond election in the history of Texas. Through the program, DISD will build 20 new schools, make additions to nearly 40 schools, and make much needed renovations to nearly all 218 schools over the next five to six years.
General admission to Saturday's event is free, while exhibitors are required to have paid a $100 fee.
For more information about the MWBE, please call 972-925-4140.