East River Plaza project presses on.

As the long-awaited development of the East River Plaza Mall moves closer to becoming a reality, the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corp. (UMEZ) and Tiago Holdings, LLC are co-hosting a conference for prospective contractors to work on this monumental project.

In the fall of 2005, UMEZ approved a $15 million Business Investments loan and $40 million in triple-tax exempt Empowerment Zone Bonds that will help turn the 6.2 acre site, located on the FDR Drive between 116th and 119th Streets, into a vibrant commercial center in East Harlem, New York. The project's retailers, including Home Depot and Costco, will offer a shopping environment that is unique from that which is presently available in Manhattan.

"The development of the East River Plaza Mall offers numerous contracting opportunities for local contractors," said Kenneth J. Knuckles, UMEZ's President and CEO. "By co-sponsoring this conference we are working to ensure that there is a level playing field for those businesses, especially those that are minority- and women-owned, to compete for contracts related to the creation of the East River Plaza Mall."

At the conference, Tiago Holdings, LLC, in conjunction with the construction manager, Tishman Construction Corp., will present an overview and timetable for the development project, as well as their efforts to promote local involvement.

A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28th from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at Metropolitan Hospital's Draper Hall in the first floor cafeteria located at 1918 1st Avenue (at East 98th Street). Admission is free. For more information, contact Paul Quintero at 212-410-0030 extension 204. To register for the event, log www.thedarmangroup.com or send a fax to [phone].