California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

CPUC CO-SPONSORS SAN BERNARDINO
SMALL BUSINESS EXPO AND MATCHMAKING FAIR

SAN FRANCISCO, April 16, 2009 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today announced it will co-sponsor a free San Bernardino Small Business Expo and Matchmaking Fair, with Commissioner John A. Bohn moderating a workshop on "Connecting Businesses with State and Utility Contracts".

WHAT: San Bernardino Small Business Expo and Matchmaking Fair, co-sponsored by the CPUC and Sempra Energy Utilities (San Diego Gas and Electric and Southern California Gas). The event includes:

· Workshop on "Connecting Businesses with State and Utility Contracts", moderated by Commissioner Bohn

· Matchmaking forum to learn of contracting opportunities firsthand

· One-on-one meetings with procurement specialist from major utilities, local government, and state agencies

· Vendor Fair

WHEN:          Thursday, April 30, 2009, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

                        SCHEDULE

7 a.m.-8 a.m.: Registration and Matchmaking Signups and Complimentary Continental Breakfast

                        8 a.m.-9 a.m.: Workshop with Q&A Opportunities

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Matchmaking Session and Vendor Visits

WHERE:        Hilton San Bernardino - Ballroom

285 East Hospitality Lane

San Bernardino

WHY: Learn how to obtain state and utility contracts and sell goods and services. Obtain valuable information on financial services, bonding/insurance, and pre-paid legal services.

"The CPUC participates in small business events throughout the state to help connect small businesses to utilities and government procurement specialists," said Commissioner Bohn. "Through our Small Business Program we hope to educate businesses on the benefits of becoming certified as a small business, woman-owned, minority owned, and/or disabled veteran-owned business. We also provide networking opportunities to show small businesses how to get in the door with utility companies."

California State Agencies are under Executive Order to conduct 25 percent of their procurement and contracts with small businesses and 3 percent with Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises. These small business programs complement the CPUC's Supplier Diversity Program, which encourages participating utilities to increase procurement levels with women, minority, and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.

PARTICIPANTS:

Expo Tables: Matchmaking Tables:

Small Business Administration (SBA) CalTrans

Employment Development Department (EDD) Cal State University San Bernardino

The Federal Technology Center AT&T

Veterans Business Outreach Center Verizon

CalTrans (California Department of Transportation) PG&E

California Department of Veterans Affairs Southern California Edison

Department of General Services (DGS) Sempra Energy Utilities

Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) California Public Utilities Commission

Cal State University San Bernardino California Water Association

California Highway Patrol

Inland Empire Women Business Center

Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship

CalPERS

Pacific American Indian Development

San Bernardino International Airport

Department of Corrections

Department of Water Resources

San Bernardino Unified School District

San Bernardino City Economic Development Council.     

San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone

San Bernardino Employment & Training Agency

AT&T

Verizon

Southern California Edison

Sempra Energy Utilities (SDG&E, SoCalGas)

California Water Association

Asian, Inc. Supplier Clearinghouse

California Public Utilities Commission

Liatti & Associates Commercial Insurance

Pre-Paid Legal Services

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, as walk-ins are welcome. Those participating in the matchmaking fair are encouraged to register in advance by e-mail at smallbiz@cpuc.ca.gov . Please include company name, contact information, and type of business.

For more information on the CPUC's Small Business Program, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/smbus.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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