The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), and the Revere and Winthrop Chambers of Commerce will host Massport Means Business: for Neighborhood Entrepreneurs, an informational business seminar targeted to Revere and Winthrop small business owners on Tuesday, September 13, from 8:00am - 9:30am at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Revere. The informational seminar will provide a comprehensive look at the process Massport employs to purchase goods and services, and the procedures businesses should take to be included in the selection. Representatives from Massport who handle purchasing, construction and leasing will be on hand to answer questions as a means to demystify the process.

“Massport Means Business: for Neighborhood Entrepreneurs emphasizes the importance of local businesses in the communities in which Massport operates and where many of our employees live and work,” said Massport Director of Government and Community Affairs, Thomas J. Butler. “This seminar will help local small business owners get better access to Massport purchasing dollars and to share in the revenue that Massport generates for the regional economy.”

Like several large business organizations, Massport requires a variety of supplies to operate. Diverse items from computers, catering, paint, automotive supplies to uniforms are all on Massport’s purchasing list. Massport also contracts with landscape professionals, auto mechanics and hardware stores, to list a few.

“Our goal is to foster the economic enhancement of Winthrop’s businesses and business districts,” said Joseph Clark, president of the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce. “This partnership presents a unique opportunity for the Chamber to demonstrate how we can be a resource to all of the business entities within the community and in doing so, hopefully strengthen our membership,” said Clark.

“It’s important to encourage healthy competition in the marketplace,” said Revere Chamber of Commerce president Bob Silverman. “Revere business owners will have the opportunity to meet with Massport and tell them what they have to offer and to get on Massport’s vendors list. I encourage all Revere business owners to attend the seminar and find out how Massport and the Chamber can assist you.”

Massport and the South Boston Chamber of Commerce recently held a Massport Means Business: for Neighborhood Entrepreneurs seminar in South Boston where more than 80 local entrepreneurs learned how to tap into Massport’s purchasing needs. With more than 30 Revere and Winthrop businesses already doing business with Massport, officials are planning for a large turnout.

Winthrop and Revere entrepreneurs currently doing business with Massport include A-1 Lighting Service, Burnett & Moynihan, Inc., Paul Revere Press, Corolla Contracting, Inc., Leone Marine Service and Woodside Hardware Co., Inc. These businesses represent a diverse array of services that Massport seeks and are provided by local merchants.

In addition to launching the business seminar, Massport will announce plans to purchase sand and salt, personal computers, computer software, and will contract for moving and relocation services. “We hope local businesses will take this opportunity to tell us what their company offers and get on Massport’s vendor list,” said Massport’s Thomas Butler.

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