UA to Sponsor a Business Forum for Minority Contractors

TUSCALOOSA — The University of Alabama has invited minority general and subcontractors to attend a forum on doing business with the University on Monday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Zone located in Bryant Denny Stadium on the UA campus.

“The University of Alabama has $123 million in construction projects identified in its 2007-2008 annual capital development plan,” said program planner Christopher H. Spencer, associate director for community development in the Center for Community-Based Partnerships. “This Minority Business Forum is a great opportunity for minority businesses to receive specific bidding information relative to these projects.”

Two UA divisions, Community Affairs and Financial Affairs, have joined to sponsor the event. “A total of 50 spaces are available to minority business enterprises at no cost. Participants will leave campus knowing a great deal about how to contract for construction business with the University,” Dr. Samory Pruitt, vice president for Community Affairs said.   Interested prospects are encouraged to make reservations to attend.

This is the second forum the University has sponsored   focusing on minorities doing business with the University. The first was March 28, 2007 at the Bryant Conference Center on the University campus. For information about last spring’s Minority Business Forum, see www.ccbp.ua.edu.

“The University of Alabama is committed to doing business with qualified minority-owned businesses,” said Dr. Lynda Gilbert, vice president for Financial Affairs. “This second forum represents our continued efforts to support this commitment.”

Pruitt and Gilbert will open the forum with a welcome and overview. Sessions will include construction and bids for large projects, risk management requirements, a networking luncheon, construction and bids for small projects, and City of Tuscaloosa opportunities.

Tim Leopard, assistant vice president for construction, and Trip Farmer, director of contract administration, will conduct the construction session. They will discuss procuring jobs over $50,000. Attendees will receive a list of projects for bid.

Other presenters will be Bob Pugh, director of risk management; Lane Cox, associate purchasing manager for facilities; and Patricia Evans, project manager for TALA Professional Services of Birmingham.

Invitations and registration forms are being mailed to many businesses in the state. For online registration, go to www.communityafffairs.ua.edu.

The University of Alabama is the state’s oldest public university. Its mission is to advance intellectual and social conditions in the state though quality programs in teaching, research and service. The Center for Community-Based Partnerships is an initiative of Community Affairs that supports the teaching, research and service mission of the University and addresses specific quality of life needs identified by community partners.

Contact: Christopher H. Spencer, Associate Director, Community Development at 205-348-7374 or chspencer01@ua.edu