UA to Sponsor Minority Business Forum

TUSCALOOSA – The University of Alabama has invited minority business owners to attend a nuts and bolts forum on doing business with the University on March 28 from 2-6 p.m. at the Bryant Conference Center on the UA campus.

“The University of Alabama contributes $1.7 billion to the state’s economy every year,” said program planner Christopher H. Spencer, associate director for community development for the Center for Community-Based Partnerships. “The Minority Business Forum represents a unique opportunity for minority businesses to become a larger part of this economic powerhouse.”

Two UA divisions, Community Affairs and Financial Affairs, have joined forces to sponsor the event, according to Dr. Samory T. Pruitt, vice president for community affairs, and Dr. Lynda Gilbert, vice president for financial affairs. The South Regions Minority Business Council is a co-sponsor.

“All minority business enterprises are invited to attend at no cost. Participants will leave campus knowing how to do business with the University,” Pruitt said.

“The University of Alabama is committed to doing business with qualified minority-owned businesses,” Gilbert said. “This forum represents a first step in our efforts to build a campus infrastructure that will support this commitment.”

Pruitt and Gilbert will open the forum with a welcome and overview. That will be followed by breakout sessions in construction, goods and services, and how to qualify to become a Bama Cash vendor.

Tim Leopard, assistant vice president for construction, and Trip Farmer, director of contract administration, will conduct the construction session. They will cover such topics as how to bid on and acquire construction jobs under and over $50,000. Participants will receive a list of future UA projects.

Other presenters will be Judy Voss, purchasing manager for general procurement; Vicki Santina, contract administrator; Jeanine Brooks, Action Card director; and Robin Coleman, an Action Card specialist.

Bama Cash is an optional pre-paid debit account on the Action Card good at many on- and off-campus businesses. Bama Cash deposits in 2006 were more than $4 million.

Invitations and registration forms are being mailed to many businesses in the state. Prospective attendees may also go online for a registration form at www.communityaffairs.ua.edu or www.financialaffairs.ua.edu.