PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds of contractors and executives attended a networking event Friday to learn about doing business with Philadelphia International Airport.
Representatives of minority-owned firms joined large and small business representatives at the Airport Marriott for the airport's 12th annual Business Opportunity Forum.
Business owners learned about opportunities in areas including terminal concessions, construction, IT, and architecture.
"They get exposed to the opportunities," Philadelphia Aviation Department CEO Atif Saeed told KYW Newsradio. "They get their questions answered, and they get to network with people who are already doing business so they can learn the process of doing business with the airport."
Shina Moore with RW Construction sought to expand her business at the forum.
"Building jobs, trying to get opportunities for the airport," she told KYW Newsradio. "That's why we're here networking, developing, gaining experience, and gaining partnerships."
Steve Johnson of the firm Right Way Retail and Home Renovations said he believes he can provide what the airport needs.
"We have signage, interiors; a lot of the finishes in the airport need upgrading and updating, so that's the kind of work we can do," Johnson said.
The forum had a special emphasis on preparing PHL for the nation's 250th anniversary.
"A lot needs to get done between now and 2026, and it will take participation from a lot of people," Saeed said. "We would love the opportunity for small underrepresented businesses to be able to participate."
The networking event at the Airport Marriott was part of the city's Minority Enterprise Development Week.