ADVISORY/Small Businesses Invited to Seek Contracts with Metropolitan Water District at Networking Event.

Assignment Desks/Business Editors/City Desks

ADVISORY...for Wednesday (Aug. 21)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:  Networking event for owners and representatives of small
       businesses seeking contracts with Metropolitan Water District

WHEN:  Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Wadsworth Pump Plant at Diamond Valley Lake, Winchester
       (in Riverside County).  Enter at Winchester Road (Route 79)
       and Construction Road.

WHO:   Metropolitan Water District Business Outreach Program officials

RSVP:  By Aug. 19 to 213/217-7249 or [e-mail]

BACKGROUND:  In the last fiscal year, 51 percent of Metropolitan's
             contracts, and more than 30 percent of its dollars paid
             to prime contractors, went to small businesses (as
             defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration).  In
             the current fiscal year, Metropolitan has $243 million in
             its goods-and-services budget and $238 million in the
             capital improvement budget, major portions of which will
             go to small businesses.  Wednesday's event will begin
             with continental breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by
             presentations by outreach program staff, and networking
             opportunities.