FIRST WESTERN REGIONAL AIRPORT MINORITY ADVISORY COUNCIL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD APRIL 26-27 IN LOS ANGELES

(Los Angeles, California -- February 8, 2001) To help minority- and women-owned entities do business with airports, the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) announced today that it will hold its first Western Regional Business Diversity Conference, April 26 and 27 at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton.

Co-sponsored by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the City of Inglewood Economic and Business Development Office, the conference will encourage and foster the participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in airport activities in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. The conference will include workshops and panels featuring major airport contractors, key airport executives, the City of Los Angeles’ Minority Business Opportunity Committee (MBOC), other local business assistance programs, and small-business success stories.

Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioner and Second Vice Chair of the Executive Commissioners Committee of Airport Council North America (ACI/NA), Dr. Warren W. Valdry stated, "There are many opportunities in the airport industry for small businesses to tap into and we want to ensure that minority- and women-owned businesses learn how that can be done through this conference." He added, "Tens of thousands of Southern Californians hold jobs directly or indirectly related to operations at Los Angeles’ airports, and billions of dollars are pumped into the economy as part of LAWA’s total economic contribution to the region."

"With this tremendous economic impact comes a responsibility to create a fair playing field that allows everyone the opportunity to participate in airport business," said LAWA Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard. "We are pleased to partner with AMAC and the City of Inglewood to help increase access to business and employment opportunities in the airport industry."

Clarence Daniels, AMAC western regional director and president and chief executive officer of Concessions Management Services, Inc., said, "We are extremely excited to bring this conference to Los Angeles for the first time."

According to Daniels, conference attendees will hear from experts on the legislative and legal status of the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Rule and how airports in Western United States are implementing the rule. They will meet prime contractors in the airport industry and learn of opportunities for subcontractors and joint-venture partners. The conference also will include a business-opportunity and access-to-capital fair which will provide networking and informational opportunities.

Established in 1988, AMAC is a national, non-profit organization designed to promote the participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in airport contracts, to encourage the employment of minorities and women in the airport industry, and to participate in advocacy, outreach and educational efforts to foster economic growth.

Los Angeles World Airports is a self-supporting department of the City of Los Angeles, which owns and operates a world-class system of four airports: Los Angeles International, Ontario International, Palmdale Regional, and Van Nuys.

More information about the conference is available by calling AMAC at (310) 215-4208.