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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ronald G. Waters
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PLBC wraps up forums on inclusive use of federal stimulus funds
HARRISBURG, June 3 -- The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus held its seventh and final public forum last week to inform minority, women and disadvantaged business owners of the various ways they can access business opportunities connected to state and local projects that will be receiving funding from the federal stimulus package.
The forum was held May 28 at the Chester Fine Arts Center in Chester. Representatives from various state agencies attended, including Peter Speaks, deputy secretary and special advisor to the governor for Minority, Women-owned and Disadvantaged Business Development; PLBC Chairman Ronald G. Waters, D-Delaware/Phila.; and state Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, D-Delaware.
"Everyone must be given an equal opportunity and access to work," Waters told participants in the forum.
"We have to stand up! You have everything you need. It’s up to you to make it happen," Kirkland added.
There were approximately 50 people in attendance. Panelists included Vicki Johnson of the state Department of Transportation; Marc Little of the Minority and Women Educational Labor Agency; Dorothy Kaplan of the state Department of Community and Economic Development; and Marcus Cole of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Waters stressed the importance of unity within the community and said, "These meetings should be used as a way to educate and create new relationships by introducing minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises and contractors to one another."
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