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African-American Chamber sets sights on equitable opportunities

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Angelinos cannot turn the corner without seeing something new under construction. It’s hard to ignore the countless cranes and bulldozers creating everything from public housing for the homeless; to private, high-rise condominiums; to new and improved football stadiums and hotels.

The Greater Los Angeles African-American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) wants to make sure its membership is in on these developments and recently hosted an “Accessing Public and Private Project Opportunities” town hall.

“This is a opportunity to learn about an industry that seems to be foreign to us,” said GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale. Hale is the CEO of G&C Equipment Corporation, which is engaged in the sale and procurement of construction equipment, material and supplies.

He and the late Homer Broome, former president of Marvid Associates and former police commissioner, helped establish GLAAACC in 1991.

“Open doors, that’s what we do,” Hale said during his town hall introduction.

The event featured speakers from the county of Los Angeles; AECOM; Avisare; the city of Los Angeles; and event sponsor Southern California Edison.

“It’s our mission to lower the barriers,” said Christian Calabria of Avisare, a company that allows businesses to create free profiles and apply for government certifications on its site.

Sonya Blake, who is in charge of small business outreach for the city of Los Angeles agreed, telling the audience they could apply for their L.A. city certifications online at www.Avisare.com.

“There are a lot of opportunities for business owners who can take advantage of them,” Blake said. “With LAX being the fifth busiest airport in the world, keeping goods, services and people moving, along with the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.”

Blake said the city’s own site can help small businesses get permits, teach them how to get loans; instruct them in creating crowdfunding campaigns; as well as connect them to city contracts. She encouraged businesses to register on the city’s Business Assistance Virtual Network, www.LABAVN.org.

“Bidding opportunities are listed there for your industry code,” Blake said. “Register to get emails from us.”

The County of Los Angeles has a similar site.

“Create a profile on our site,” Michael Owh, from the county’s internal service department said. “This allows us to find you when opportunities are available. That’s the way you’re going to see solicitations happen.”

Owh added that registration often gives businesses a leg up, sometimes adding preferences and eliminating a long, drawn-out process.

The county completed more than $8 million in procurement contracts last year. Visit www.doingbusiness.lacounty.gov for more information.

“It’s all about staying connected,” agreed Eric Schreiner of AECOM, a firm that designs, builds, finances and operates infrastructure. The Fortune 500 firm has its worldwide headquarters in Los Angeles.

“Things happen quickly in our world,” Schreiner said. “That’s why that constant communication is so important.”

AECOM currently has nearly $5 billion in active construction projects around the world. Projects in LA include the Grand Avenue site and the Pendry West Hollywood Hotel being built on Sunset Boulevard on the former House of Blues site.

“And a confidential NBA basketball arena that we can’t say much about.” Schreiner added.

GLAAACC regularly hosts special events aimed at providing information and inspiring collaboration among members, special guests and key stakeholder groups with shared objectives.

For information on membership and/or upcoming events, contact GLAAACC at (323) 292-1297 or visit www.glaaacc.org.

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