MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
The latter half of 2021 , which is the time period covered in this issue of the L . A . Contractor Connection , was as challenging as the first half , with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still impacting all of our lives . However , we are all in this together and life and work do continue .
As the administrator of the Los Angeles regional Contractor Development and Bonding Program ( CDABP ), Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services ’ ( MWIS ) sees potential for a much brighter future , as public works construction in the Los Angeles County region is going strong , and the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide an additional boost to the industry with an unprecedented level of federal investment .
Thanks to our program sponsors , stakeholders and partners , 2022 is MWIS ’ 25th year as a successful woman and minority-owned business , and we continue to expand the CDABP offerings in support of the growth and success of our small local and diverse contractor communities .
Through thick and thin , we remain focused on our mission to increase the participation of small and diverse businesses in public agency contracting in order to generate multiple public benefits ( i . e ., lower contracting costs , more creative and innovative work , business development , job creation , a stronger local economy , social equity ). Accordingly , we have continued to provide bonding assistance , contract financing , technical assistance , education and training , outreach and other support and services to underrepresented businesses .
This issue provides highlights and examples of our CDABP work in the latter half of 2021 , as we look back on some of our offerings , including :
• Outreach workshops held with County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez .
• A workshop on how to get certified as a small and diverse business with the City of Los Angeles , Los Angeles Metro , and the County of Los Angeles ( the latter of which is our newest CDADP , formally launching in early 2022 ).
• Trainings covering topics such as connecting with Metro for DVBEs , creating profitable business models , effective networking and relationship building and how to set up and effectively use a LinkedIn profile .
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