Don't Miss Our Free Buyers Exchange in Newark on November 4

The best way to market your company name, capabilities, product and services – is to network with buyers. Although selling your services or products by advertising or "cold calls" can be successful, you are more likely to gain more bang for your buck by meeting and greeting in person the potential customers who you need to grow your business.

There's no better place to network than at our annual Buyers Exchange, to be held this year on Thursday, November 4, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Hilton Newark Penn Station.

"In this current economy, networking is an essential component of business marketing," says Lash Green, director of the Port Authority's Office of Business and Job Opportunity. "We invite all of our certified M/W/SBEs and those who are considering getting certified to join us. Our Buyers Exchange could be the most productive three and one-half hours you've spent."

You'll gain invaluable face time with Port Authority buyers of goods and services and several of our prime contractors, including Tishman Construction Corporation of New York, Bovis Lend Lease, and Korey Kay and Partners.

Even if you came to one of our previous Buyers Exchanges, we purchase different things every year plus over two hundred people are expected -- so you have 200 plus opportunities to introduce your business to others. Finally, if you know other minority, women-owned and small business owners, invite them to check out our commodities list, and, if there's a fit, encourage them to attend.

Don't miss out!
Register Now

Before You Go

To make the most use of your valuable time at our Buyers Exchange on November 4, try these tips before you go:

• Make sure your vendor profile is up to date. Print it out and bring it with you.
• Check out our commodities list to see if the Port Authority purchases the products or services you offer.
• Review what goods and service contracts are being advertised and be sure to connect with the appropriate buyer at the Exchange.
• Develop a quick introduction of one to two minutes to pitch your product or service. What is your value? What sets you apart from other companies?
• Bring along easy-to-show and easy-to-take marketing materials. They don't have to be expensive.
• Pack your business cards the night before. You'd be surprised how many people forget them in the mad morning rush.

Aviation Department Flying High with Business-Building Resources

With passenger air travel and air cargo shipments inching slowly back toward pre-recession volumes — especially in the congested northeast corridor — the Port Authority's Aviation Department is busier than ever, connecting M/W/S/DBEs with several construction opportunities now under way.

Many vendors may not be aware that the department has dedicated staff supporting these efforts, working closely with the agency's Office of Business and Job Opportunity (OBJO) to get the word out on subcontracting opportunities across one of the world's largest and busiest aviation systems — one that includes John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Stewart International, and Teterboro airports.

"With the onset of several major terminal redevelopment projects, it made sense to support the work of OBJO with some dedicated aviation resources," explains Linda Johnson, Manager, Business Development Programs. "Because aviation includes a mix of Port Authority and tenant projects, it can be challenging for potential subcontractors to stay on top of all the opportunities that might be a fit for them."

Adds Ida Perich, Manager of OBJO's Business Utilization and Services, "There are so many resources available to today's M/W/S/DBEs. By working together with the Aviation Department, we can get valuable information on programs and contracts out to a bigger pool of interested and highly qualified subcontractors and skilled professionals who are ready to do business with the Port Authority."

Accessing aviation sub-contracting resources

The Aviation Department has affirmative action coordinators on-site at Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy airports. Based at JFK, Connie DeLaigle (718-244-4743 or cdelaigle@panynj.gov) covers JFK and LaGuardia, while Newark-based Dee Pollard (973-961-6331 or dpollard@panynj.gov) covers both Newark Liberty and Teterboro.

Both DeLaigle and Pollard issue quarterly bulletins on upcoming contracts via email; during high-volume periods the bulletins are distributed monthly. These bulletins include contact information for prime contractors, so even if a contract has already been assigned the bulletin can provide valuable information for networking with larger firms. Email DeLaigle and Pollard and ask to be placed on their distribution lists.

Getting ready to perform

If you have an established track record in your industry, there are opportunities large and small across the Port Authority's aviation system, according to Linda Johnson. But, she cautions, you have to be ready. "It's not enough to simply 'get through' a project — you have to ace it. Your goal should be to leave everyone with a great feeling about your work."

Johnson points to resources like the Air Service Development Office (ASDO) and the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors, non-profit organizations that help small, minority, and women-owned firms get ready for that next big opportunity. Says Johnson, "Take advantage of all the resources out there to equip you for success. Because if you invest the time, the rewards can be great."

Aviation Projects on the Horizon

Interested in playing a role in improving one of the world's largest and busiest aviation systems? Make sure these opportunities are on your business development radar, according to the Aviation Department's Linda Johnson:

JFK

Delta Air Lines is in the midst of a major terminal expansion and redevelopment to boost its international operations. The project encompasses three existing JFK facilities: Terminals 2 and 3, which are now used by Delta for both domestic and international operations, and Terminal 4, formerly the International Arrivals Building. Terminals 2 and 4 are being expanded, and Terminal 3 will be demolished to accommodate the project.

Delta recently conducted an M/WBE outreach event to discuss subcontracting opportunities on the project.

To learn more about contract opportunities and prequalification information visit www.regional-alliance.org.

Newark Liberty

Work continues on the modernization and expansion of Terminal B to three levels, including more room for departures and arrivals, new elevators and escalators, upgraded electrical systems, and added restaurants and shops in the terminal's secure areas.

Contracts for upcoming portions of the project should be issued within the next year, says Johnson.

Teterboro & Stewart

These two facilities have some modest projects on the horizon, including a minor terminal expansion at Stewart and some tenant work at Teterboro projected for late 2011.

See related article for information on receiving aviation bulletins on "upcoming contracts" via email.

Develop New Business Contacts at the NJ ASDO Conference

The Air Service Development Office (ASDO) brings together aviation industry buyers with local businesses. If you'd like to be one of them, plan to attend NJ ASDO's 16th Annual Aviation Networking Conference on Friday, October 22.

Location: Hilton Newark Airport Hotel
1170 Spring St., Elizabeth, NJ
Time: 9:00AM-12 noon

Designed as a "reverse trade show," this free networking event matches the purchasing needs of the aviation community with the broad range of products and services available from area businesses.

Register now.

M/WBE Directory "Mini-Profile" Goes Live

The Port Authority's Mini-Profile, a directory of certified Minority & Women-owned Business Enterprises, - where PANYNJ personnel and prime contractors go to find the services they need, is now online, making it a valuable marketing tool for everyone, including M/WBEs.

With information on construction trades, goods and services, and architectural and engineering consulting services providers, the new online system features simplified navigation and expanded search capabilities by company name, trade specialty or product, state, and even certification status.

Making the most of your mini-profile

"The Mini-Profile directory is designed to give decision-makers an at-a-glance snapshot of your capabilities and services when they're looking for subcontractors, suppliers and joint venture partners. To make the most of your profile, "you need to be as specific as possible when describing your core capabilities in 30 words or less" says Roger Hsu from the Office of Business and Job Opportunity.

Information for mini-profiles is drawn from a variety of sources, including the Marketing Data Form submitted when you were first certified, and from your Port Authority Procurement Department Vendor Profile. Review your mini-profile today to ensure its accuracy. Update of your company's business profile can be accomplished by submitting a new Marketing Data Form.

Is your mini-profile working hard for you 24/7? Be sure to check its accuracy regularly, so your company can be found the next time someone searches for your goods and services.

Click here to update your Mini-Profile listing.

Events

Event	Date
ASDO 16th Annual Aviation Networking Conference	Friday, October 22, 2010

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