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Houston Airport System
August 15, 2008
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The first time around the Houston Airport System’s (HAS) Business Opportunity Networking Fair delivered a full serving of entrepreneurial success. Local business owners walked away with a better understanding of the aviation industry – some even landed million dollar contracts on the spot.
Last year, word-of-mouth delivered an even larger crowd and more success stories. Now the third annual Business Opportunity Networking Fair, scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Humble Civic Center, promises another dose of aviation business savvy.
“We’re looking to make things happen for local entrepreneurs. Whether it’s a contract with us or with one of our subcontractors, or just a better familiarization with the City of Houston’s certification process, we want business owners to really gain something valuable from this opportunity,” says Goodwille Pierre, manager small business development and contract compliance for the Houston Airport System. “People expect great things from the Business Opportunity Networking Fair and we want to deliver.”
From 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., business owners will have the opportunity to participate in workshops such as procurement, airport concessions, and professional services, as well as mentor protégé initiatives. A special panel on design and construction will also be featured at the free citywide event.
Given the abundant construction currently underway at Houston’s airports, this is a prime time for such an outreach effort, Pierre notes.
Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is slated for a $1.2 billion renovation as part of a partnership between Continental Airlines and HAS. The airport’s terminal garages are also undergoing massive construction, as are several of its roadways and other infrastructure. Yet even in times of lesser development, opportunities abound.
“When you’re dealing with traffic of more than 52 million passengers a year, you have to be mindful of all the intricacies and details that come along with that. Our travelers have to have someplace to eat, shop and relax,” says Richard Vacar, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System. |
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© Houston Airport System
Third Time Around. For the third year in a row, the Houston Airport System will teach local business owners how to do business with the airports and its prime contractors. |
“They also need ample space to move about, enough support facilities like restrooms, and reliable runways and roadways. That all translates into jobs and business opportunities.”
According to conservative estimates, Houston’s airports already support more than 151,000 local jobs and generate some $24 billion in positive economic impact for the local region. And as HAS sets its sights on 80 million passengers a year by 2020 the need will only grow stronger, Vacar adds.
Minority, women-owned, disadvantaged and small business enterprises (MWDBE) also play an important role in the process. As the department of aviation for the City of Houston, HAS is required to contract with a certain percentage of these types of businesses on every contract they secure or administer.
“Our exhibitors feature prime contractors and subcontractors, as well as the key decision makers who can award contracts,” notes Pierre. “In addition, getting certified with the City of Houston means automatically getting certified to do business with other state and federal agencies – it is a win-win situation all around.”
For more information about the third annual Business Opportunity Networking Fair, or to register online, please Click Here.
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