A coalition of local chambers & business groups in partnership with Assemblymember Henry T. Perea a will host a forum in downtown Fresno on Thursday, May 26, 2011 on the California High Speed Rail Project and minority business opportunities.

"Moving Down the Track: High Speed Rail and Minority Outreach" will provide a platform to address important topics including regional opportunities with the CA High Speed Rail project, how to do business with the state of California and other resources related to certification and technical assistance. Confirmed panel representatives include the CA High Speed Rail Authority, URS, and the California Department of General Services.

After reviewing the High Speed Rail Authority's RFEI (Request for Expressions of Interest) this March, the Fresno Metro Black Chamber (FMBCC) was concerned that only about 55 of the 1,000 businesses were from the Central Valley region. This event will encourage minority businesses to be prepared to participate in one of the largest infrastructure projects of our time. "With the project slated to start in the Central Valley, we want to support as many regional businesses in the bidding process to keep the dollars and jobs local", says Tate Hill, FMBCC President.

This broad coalition is attracting attention from Sacramento to Washington DC led by the Fresno Metro Black Chamber that includes six (6) ethnic chambers & business groups from Merced to Bakersfield. Local elected officials Assembly member Henry T. Perea and Fresno City Councilmember Oliver Baines have signed on and are co-hosting the event.  In addition, Mr. Ron Busby, President of the US Black Chamber of Commerce has accepted the invitation to attend the event. He is a successful entrepreneur, former President of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber, and was recently named to the SBA's new formed Advisory Council on Underserved Communities that will examine opportunities for specialized programming for entrepreneurs and small business owners in underserved communities.

Moving Down the Track: High Speed Rail and Minority Outreach

Thursday, May 26, 2011

9:30- 11:30 AM

Hugh Burns State Building

2550 Mariposa Mall, Fresno, CA 93721

No Cost to attend, Registration preferred

 To register, click here

Event Co-Host: Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, Assemblymember Henry T. Perea, Fresno City Councilmember Oliver Baines, Asian Business Resource Institute & Center, Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, Merced Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Joaquin Valley Regional Green Jobs Coalition.

The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce is a member-based not-for-profit organization focused on advocating for, building and connecting the regional African-American business community in the greater Fresno-Clovis-Madera area. Learn more at www.fmbcc.com

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