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SCC, Jersey City School District Hold North Jersey SBE Networking Expo

Conference Geared to Help Grow Small, Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses
Jersey City, NJ (February 22, 2006) - Two dozen exhibitors - including representatives of State agencies, the building trades and the Xanadu redevelopment project earmarked for the Meadowlands Sports Complex - were on hand today for the North Jersey Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Networking Expo co-hosted by the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) and the Jersey City School District.

Over 100 SBEs - small, minority- and women-owned businesses - participated in the four-hour Expo designed to help them learn more about work opportunities available through the SCC and other construction programs in Jersey City and the North Jersey area.

"The SCC not only builds schools but creates job opportunities. We have worked hard over the past three years to create programs to help small, minority- and women-owned businesses participate and grow," SCC Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter E. Maricondo remarked.

"My hope is that through this Expo, the SBEs will learn how to take part in SCC and other building programs by networking with those who do it successfully every day," Maricondo said.

Topics at the conference, held at Jersey City's new Middle School #4 on Bright Street, included contractor certification packages, bonding assistance, working capital assistance, employment readiness and potential contracting opportunities. While the event was informative and instructive for the SBEs, their participation did not guarantee them employment or contracts.

The conferees included such State agencies as the Attorney General's office, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Commerce Department and the Turnpike Authority. Other exhibitors represented the construction industry and development firms; financial, technology and recreational concerns; furnishing and equipment; and building trades unions.

The SBEs also ran the gamut of businesses: electrical, masonry, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, painting, drywall, security, communications, technology, powerwashing, environmental services and building and office supplies.


 
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