News from New York State Department of Transportation

For more information contact: Jennifer Post, 518-457-6400

NYSDOT To Hold Certification Workshops For Minority- And Women-Owned Businesses In Western New York

ALBANY, NY (04/01/2008; 1223)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn today announced that the Department’s Office of Civil Rights will conduct two certification workshops for Disadvantaged and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (D/M/WBE) in Western New York on Thursday, April 10, 2008, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Belle Center, 104 Maryland Street, in Buffalo.

“Governor David Paterson has for many years been a strong advocate of ensuring that businesses owned by minorities and women share in the opportunities created by programs such as transportation.” Commissioner Glynn said. “Through workshops such as these, we are increasing business potential and supporting economic growth in New York State.”

Commissioner Glynn will host the workshops and representatives of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) and the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) will be among those making presentations at the events. Networking receptions, which will allow D/MWBE representatives to speak with prime contractors and other D/M/WBE businesses, will follow each workshop. The first reception is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the second from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Commissioner Glynn serves on the state MWBE Executive Leadership Council, a group comprised of commissioners and executive directors from New York State agencies, departments and authorities that seeks to improve the participation of women- and minority-owned businesses in the state’s procurement process

Next week’s workshops will tell businesses how they can register for the state’s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Program and the federal government’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

During the workshops, NYSDOT and ESDC staff will explain their respective certification processes, as well as the differences between the DBE and state M/WBE programs. Staff also will provide individual assistance with the DBE and M/WBE applications.

The networking event will provide an opportunity for local firms to get to know each other and initiate business relationships. Information about upcoming NFTA and NYSDOT projects will also be provided.

To register or obtain more information about the workshops, please contact the NYSDOT Office of Civil Rights at (518) 457-1129 or email CRB_coordinator@dot.state.ny.us.

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