LAWA ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENTS IN ITS SMALL BUSINESS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES DIVISION

(Los Angeles, CA – April 11, 2001) – Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced recent developments in its Small Business and Job Opportunities Program to approximately 110 small business owners at the monthly networking breakfast meeting of the Inglewood Business Opportunity Network.

The Small Business and Job Opportunities Division is developing programs to inform local businesses and community residents about business and employment opportunities. To better serve the community, a Small Business Opportunities Center will open to the public with a target date of July 2001. The center, located at 5757 Century Boulevard, will act as a conduit between LAWA and businesses in the City of Inglewood and surrounding communities.

"When most of us think about an airport, the image that comes to mind are the planes that take-off and land, the physical facilities, and the parking structures," said Lisa Wellik, manager of the LAWA Small Business Program. "At LAWA, we see the airport as being about people and opportunity. That is why we are making ourselves accessible to the community by establishing a Small Business Opportunities Center."

The Center will provide computer terminals and printed materials to access LAWA information, such as key purchasing contacts and forms required to conduct business with the City of Los Angeles and LAWA.

"We want to provide local businesses with the necessary tools required to take advantage of LAWA contracting opportunities," said Michael G. Corrin, also of the LAWA Small Business Program.

The Small Business Opportunities Center is designed to increase access to information regarding procurement and contract opportunities at LAWA’s four airports: Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), Palmdale Regional (PMD), and Van Nuys (VNY). The types of contracts available for small businesses include consumer products and services; concessions and retail services; construction; and professional, scientific, expert or technical service performance contracts of a temporary and occasional nature.

LAWA purchases over $200 million annually of goods, services and materials to support the operations and maintenance of its airport system. Vendors are selected through requests for bids, proposals or qualifications. Firms can participate as prime contractors, members of firms of a joint venture, subcontractors or suppliers.

"Establishing a working relationship with LAWA will be a great opportunity for my business and other local businesses to expand," said Sherrice Khutts, hair stylist and owner of Without Limits Hair Studio. "I am grateful to LAWA for giving us a chance."

For additional information on the Small Business and Job Opportunities Division, call (310) 417-6490.

DMS – 4/10/01