In matters of business, money talks – and at the upcoming Government and Procurement Connections Conference (GPC) the message is clear. Over $1.3 million in contracting opportunities are available for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Among the organizations looking to contract new local businesses are Houston Community College, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Port of Houston, the Houston Independent School District, the Texas Department of Transportation, NASA, the City of Houston, the Texas Medical Center, Harris County and the Houston Airport System (HAS).

This year, HAS is lending its expertise on how to make a business networking fair successful. Since 2006 the airport system has held various business fairs that have resulted in the awarding of numerous contracts to local entrepreneurs.

“Local business owners already know we can help them get contracts, and they trust us to help them along the way. We want to use that relationship to open new doors for them with other organizations,” says Goodwille Pierre, manager of small business and contract compliance for the Houston Airport System.

At last year’s GPC Conference more then 10,000 small and emerging business owners from the local region took advantage of the many opportunities available.

This year’s 17th annual conference promises to deliver many more.

Attendees will be able to speak one-on-one with key decision makers from the various organizations participating. They will also have the option of attending various workshops and information sessions geared toward guiding them step by step on how to obtain a contract.

“The GPC gives the HAS Small Business Development and Contract Compliance office the opportunity to provide minority and disadvantaged businesses with the information they need to be successful in preparing for and securing contracting opportunities with the Houston Airport System” say Jessica VanWert, contracting liaison for HAS. “At GPC we are able to provide information to hundreds of businesses at one event- not only prime contractors, but businesses that want to become certified.”