UAPB Procurement Office Engages Arkansas Businesses and Agencies at Annual Expo

/ April 28, 2024

    Procurement Month at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff concluded with its culminating event, The UAPB Second Annual Small & Minority Business Expo. The engaging event, held at the UAPB STEM Conference Center, drew a diverse crowd, including university faculty and staff, over 18 local and state businesses, Arkansas agencies, and numerous current and potential vendors. The Expo’s success was marked by the sharing of procurement process best practices, which empowered participants with the knowledge of how to engage better with university departments and vendors.

    This year’s theme, “Unmasking the World of Procurement,” underscored the importance of this engagement between vendors and UAPB departments. The event included a proclamation by City of Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington to recognize its significance as a community event.  In addition to vendor display tables, vendor applications were readily available, encouraging small businesses to seize the opportunity to engage with the university.

    Procurement Office Offered Themed Photo Opportunities
    UAPB Procurement Team accepts a proclamation from City of Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington (2nd from left) during the Small & Minority Business Expo.

    The UAPB Office of Procurement hosted the event, led by Procurement Director Alisha Lewis, who also shared her insights as a speaker.  Patricia Cole, UAPB Fiscal Support Manager, opened the program, followed by UAPB speakers Terrell Langley, Facilities Director, and Sheri Sipes, Assistant Director of Facilities. JaQuita Stewart presented a PowerPoint overview of Payment Works.

    Non-UAPB speakers include Esperanza Massana, Director of Minority and Women-Owen Business Enterprise from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Brandi Schroeder, Outreach and Policy Manager from the Office of State Procurement, and Velena McRae, Sr. Stakeholder Liaison Communications & Liaison Outreach from the IRS.

    UAPB extends thanks to the participants, businesses, and agencies who attended and to the following businesses that participated in the 2024 UAPB Small and Minority Business Expo. 

    Photos from the UAPB Second Annual Small & Minority Business Expo 2024.

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