Connections Made at Procurement Fair, Inaugural Women's Forum Scheduled

Staff from the NTTA’s Business Diversity Department participated in the Alliance of Texas Small Business Procurement Fair in Arlington on June 29. The event included panel discussions and workshops about procurement regulations and forming successful alliances for small business growth. The fair featured “matchmaking” sessions for small business representatives to meet in intensive one-on-one encounters with officials from larger organizations, including the NTTA. The event drew approximately 60 large-scale businesses and organizations and representatives from nearly 400 small businesses.

“It was a great avenue for people to learn about doing business with us,” said Kimberly Suber, the NTTA’s outreach coordinator and pre-award liaison. “We touched so many different businesses at one time.”

Suber met with approximately 25 small business owners throughout the day in 15-minute sessions, providing information about upcoming NTTA initiatives and procurement opportunities, giving information about how to register as a vendor with the NTTA and how to become a certified vendor.

“Even if we don’t get the opportunity to partner with everyone, the event fostered valuable networking opportunities,” Suber said.

Business Diversity Department Hosts Inaugural Women’s Forum
As part of its mission to include minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the procurement of NTTA goods and services, the Business Diversity Department will focus on women-owned businesses during its inaugural Women’s Forum at 9 a.m. July 28, in the NTTA Board Room.

The forum will include a panel discussion that will address topics such as stereotyping, the power of collaboration, dealing with gender, and being an informed risk taker. Other topics of discussion will include how to gain access to NTTA opportunities, which certifications are accepted by the NTTA, and how to grow a business. Beverley Wright, Denton County appointee for the NTTA’s Business Diversity Advisory Council and NTTA staff will facilitate the session.

For more information about the Women’s Forum, contact Kimberly Suber at ksuber@ntta.org or call (214) 461-2007.

The NTTA Business Diversity Department’s mission is to strengthen the Authority by the inclusion of minority- and woman-owned business enterprises in the procurement of goods and services. To learn more, visit the NTTA’s Business Diversity Department online.