PWC holds Grand Networking Trade Fair. (Transcripts).

On Nov. 7, PWC welcomed a capacity crowd to the organization's annual Grand Networking Trade Fair at the Pfizer Conference Center in New York City. PWC president Lenore Janis said, "Our Trade Fair really gets down to business. Because the suppliers and subcontractors exhibiting have products and services targeted to the industry's current needs, they have a serious opportunity to connect with the major construction companies, public agencies, financial institutions and others seeking woman, minority-owned and other small businesses."

Said Diane L. Montali, president of Arrochar Fuel Corporation, a woman-owned business and an exhibitor, "What makes this trade show work is that you get to meet the owners and leading people at agencies. You go directly to the top instead of working your way through the system. I even met the New Jersey TRANSIT official who approved my WBE certification!" This was the first time Marge McGowan, president of Women in Business Network, exhibited. She met a lot of "potential clients" and introduced guests to others. "The more you give out, the more you get," she said.

Kristine De Napoli, president of KND Contracting & Services Corp., said, "We made a lot of contacts with the agencies we were hoping to meet such as DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,) DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority.)"

Michele Raab-Francis, president of Beechwood Capital Company, said, "To be part of a women's organization that is as professional as this can only benefit all who belong."

Caroline Pennington, estimating manager for Turner Interiors of Turner Construction Co., and newly appointed treasurer on PWC's board, welcomed guests to Turner's display table. She said, "I have a hard hat full of business cards from companies we hope we can work with." Dennis Williams, a field representative from DASNY said, "This wasn't the usual dog and pony show. This was an actual networking event where we had a chance to meet people in industries that are related to what we do."

Sponsors of the event included Altus Metal & Marble, American Title, Global Consultants Direct, NYC & Vicinity Carpenters Labor-Management Cooperation Trust Fund; NJSCC; NYCDEP, NYCHA, NYCSCA, NYPA, Port Authority of NY & NJ, Real Estate Weekly, Signature Bank, Turner Construction Company and Turtle & Hughes.