Small Business Expo Draws Local Businesses

The Moreno Valley Conference Center saw a great turnout on Thursday June 27, as many small businesses, exhibitors, and the leaders of the transportation industry came together to network at the Riverside County Small Business Expo. Exhibitors included such names as Parsons, Atkinson Construction, Ames Construction, County of Riverside Economic Development Agency, and Simon Wong Engineering. The event was hosted by 4 of the Riverside County’s Transportation Agencies: • The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), • The County of Riverside’s Transportation Department (RCTD), • The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), and • The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA). Joining forces, with the common goal to increase opportunities for small businesses, the four panelists from the four agencies presented a lot of information and expressed support and encouragement for small businesses to interact and build connections with prime contractors and public agencies specifically within Riverside County. Genoveva Arellano of Arellano Associates moderated the presentation, and asked many questions of the panelists, who included CalTrans Director Basem Muallem, RCTC Deputy Executive Director John Standiford, RCTD Director Juan Perez, and RTA Chief Executive Officer Larry Rubio. She began by asking what these agencies wanted to tell small businesses. Basem Muallem, Director of CalTrans, advised small businesses to do a few things. First identify what is needed; check online for future projects. Attend the “How to Do Business with CalTrans” seminar. CalTrans also provides training, does certification workshops and does one-on-one, so small businesses can come and ask questions. He then advises A&E to cut projects down smaller so small businesses can be competitive. There are about 40 construction projects a year that they bid out. Juan Perez, Director of The County of Riverside’s Transportation Department (RCTD) is also supportive of outreach efforts, encouraging small businesses to network with firms and join teams to propose and bid on projects. When reviewing contacts, the question he always asks is “Who are the subcontractors and are they local?” John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director of The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) pointed out that public transit is changing how we commute. There is billion-dollar financing from Wall Street for highway transit projects such as the widening of the 91, which shows that Riverside County is a place that people want to invest in. “There is going to be a lot more transit,” he says. “The economy is turning around.” Larry Rubion, CEO of The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) reminds us that they are turning to clean fuel, with a natural gas fleet. They encourage competition and do outreach to small businesses, looking to procure contracts. Like CalTrans, they also offer workshops. Despite the recession where some projects have stalled due to uncertain funding, things have been picking up again. They have numerous small projects in addition to the big projects, so they encourage small businesses participation. When Arellano asked how participation and interest is currently going with small businesses and if more small businesses are actually putting together proposals, the four agencies responded in turn. CalTrans says there is collaboration, but there is some underbidding below estimate. He reminds us that CalTrans does not award contracts based on low bids, but instead makes sure it is a balanced and good bid. He understands that some small businesses are unsure of how to do business, so he suggests going to workshops that are offered, and learning how to showcase their particular abilities. To big businesses, he asks them to be fair and bring in small businesses as well. He reminds everyone that there is almost 30 billion dollars a year’s worth of work out there. RTA responded to the same question. Although on a smaller scale than CalTrans, they are seeing participation. They have a concern however: after awarding a contract, they sometimes find that the contractor didn’t fully understand it, and thus they must redo the contract. He re-iterates that contractors should attend workshops that are offered, and thus better educate themselves to be able to understand the projects. RCTD responded that they are also seeing a seeing a favorable bid market. From the county’s perspective, there are a lot of opportunities like landscape contracts, and so RCTD encourages small businesses to make themselves known and reach out. One immediate step to take is to register through the website to start receiving bids. RCTC noted that the problem has been the boom and bust, but at least has sustained investment. Attendees remarked how impressed they were with the setup and glad they came. Rod Bleakley, Sr. Business Development Manager at Simon Wong Engineering, explained that they are an engineering firm attending the expo in order to network. “We are trying to find local talent such as engineers and inspectors,” said Bleakley. Simon Wong Engineering specializes in bridge design, construction management, structural design, and public relations. Visit www.simonwongeng.com for more information. Jennifer Lewis, Bid and Outreach Coordinator of Ames Construction Inc. echoed the same desire to build new relationships. “We are looking to make connections with subcontractors,” she states. Ames is especially interested in meeting their goals of helping minority companies and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), as there is a shortage of these minority groups. “It is mutually beneficial to give an opportunity to open doors and help these companies get solidified in the industry,” says Lewis. Currently, quotes from subcontractors and suppliers such as erosion control, street sweeping, and bridge demo are being sought for current projects such as the San Onofre to Pulgas Double Track. Visit www.amesconstruction.com for more information. Michael Razo, Development Specialist of the County of Riverside Economic Development Agency (EDA), was attending the expo to promote such programs as Workforce Development, which helps with analyzing human resource needs; developing hiring criteria; conducting recruitments; testing, screening, and assessing applicants; and providing training programs. EDA helps companies participate in remarkable opportunities available through programs such as this. Other program assistance includes property selection, financing, foreign trade, incentive zones, fast-track processing, and strategic partnerships. The collaboration among the four Riverside County Transportation Agencies to put together the Small Business Expo seemed to be a huge success, as all attendees continued to network together and gather information advice from each other. “The High Speed Rail,” advised Muallem of CalTrans, “will see a huge investment. Rail separation, crossings, rail will be really big. Look into it, see how you can participate, and learn it. Be prepared because it is being funded and moving forward.” “Be a squeaky wheel, so to speak,” said Perez of RCTD. “Reach out and talk about the need to bring funding and investment to Riverside County, as success will depend on it.” ================================================ I edited nothing past this point. Much duplicates the previous matter.