The event, whose theme is “We buy everything from A to Z” will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MDC Training Facility, 125 Maxim Road, Hartford.

The purpose of the fair is to advise Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises on how to do business with the MDC. The MDC’s purchasing process will be explained, and MDC managers and purchasing officials will be available for questions and answers.

Invitations have been mailed to businesses throughout the area. Firms interested in attending this free event are asked to confirm their attendance by calling the MDC at 860-278-7850, ext. 3341 by June 27.

“The MDC is stepping up to the plate by encouraging Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises to offer their goods and services,” said MDC Chairman Albert F. Reichin. “By developing these opportunities, all will benefit,” he said.

The day will begin with registration at 9 a.m. and a continental breakfast and informal reception. MDC officials then will explain the purchasing process and how the MDC is working to develop opportunities for MBEs/WBEs.

A special feature of the event will be the sharing of success stories by representatives of four Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises. A buffet lunch provided by Ragin’ Cajun will be available.

There will be opportunities to for one-on-one meetings with MDC managers, purchasing agent, and buyers. Information on current bidding opportunities also will be available.

To bid on projects for which the MDC receives State of Connecticut grants or loans, Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises must be certified by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) or Department of Transportation (DOT). However, for MDC-funded projects, suppliers and vendors who are certified or in the process of being certified by DAS, DOT, the Connecticut Minority Supplier Development Council (Phone 203-288-9744) or the City of Hartford Purchasing Division (860-543-8555) are welcome to bid to provide goods and services to the MDC.

Officials from the Department of Administrative Services, DOT and the Minority Supplier Development Council also will attend and will describe the certification process.

For further information about doing business with the MDC, write to the MDC at PO Box 800, Hartford, CT 06142-0800; call (860) 278-7850 Ext. 3338, or email djames@themdc.com.

David James, MDC Purchasing Agent, recently received the Buyer of the Year award from the Connecticut Minority Supplier Development Council. He was recognized for his work in promoting the utilization of Minority Owned/Women Owned businesses at the MDC. In addition, the MDC was asked to be on the Board of Directors for the CMSDC. David will share the board position duties with Monnece Ritter, Senior Clerk in Purchasing.

The honor is a reflection of the District's commitment to expanding purchasing opportunities for Minority Owned/Women Owned businesses. In 2001, this commitment resulted in $3.4 million in business placed with these suppliers and vendors.

Among the companies honored in other categories were ESPN, Sikorsky Aircraft and United Technologies Research Center.

A non-profit municipal corporation chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1929, the MDC supplies water and sewer services to its eight member municipalities in Connecticut: Bloomfield, East Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. The MDC also supplies treated water to portions of Glastonbury, East Granby, South Windsor and Farmington and Portland.

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