The 19th Annual AMAC Economic Opportunity and Policy Forum, which serves as a guide for minority-owned companies seeking business opportunities with airports throughout the United States, will be held at the Hilton Americas Hotel on December 2 to 4, 2012.
The forum includes leadership development workshops and policy discussions that address various industry concerns. The Houston Airport System, the lead host of the forum, is partnering with the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity.
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) serves as the nation’s only non-profit trade organization dedicated to promoting the full participation of Minority/Women/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Small Business enterprises (M/W/DBE/S) in airport contracting and employment opportunities thus assisting airports in achieving diversity goals mandated by federal government regulations.
“Airports are economic engines not just for the cities in which they are located, but for entire regions,” says Mario Diaz, director of the Houston Airport System. “Our Houston airports—like most around the U.S.—are busier each year, both in passengers and cargo. In short, there are plenty of business opportunities for M/W/DBE/S contractors and suppliers. This year’s forum in Houston will be an ideal setting for new partnerships to begin developing.”
Featured speakers of the forum are Bob Montgomery, vice president of airport affairs for Southwest Airlines, and Leland Melvin, associate administrator for education for NASA and retired astronaut.
“The widely-held Regional Business Matchmaking Forum will connect M/W/DBE/S with prime contractors and airports for one-on-one meetings to discuss upcoming subcontracting, potential partnerships and $100 million worth of procurement opportunities,” says Carlecia Wright, director of the vity of Houston Business Opportunity.
Proceeds from the conference will support the on-going AMAC program initiatives and provide scholarships, career awareness and leadership development opportunities for students aimed at increasing minority and women representation in the airport industry. The forum will also provide opportunities for local high school seniors to learn about careers in the aviation industry and offer college scholarships through its AMAC Education and Scholarship Program, Project Lift.
For information about the Airport Minority Advisory Council, go to www.amac-org.com or call 703-414-2622.