PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE FOR January 2006

President’s Message

We have just learned that the State Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs has approved AB410, authored by Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Leland Y. Yee. This bill, if passed by the legislature in its present form, would give a 10% bid preference in state contracts to DVBEs.  For more details, please go to http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=4785.

There are still many unanswered questions concerning this bill, but we are working to get all of the information so that we can keep you informed.

I would like to direct your attention to two very important web sites.

The first is www.ktpvobe.com

This site has a lot of important information about our upcoming “Keeping the Promise” event at the Anaheim Hilton in May.  There will be many more breakout sessions, over 100 exhibitors, one-on-one sessions with contracting officers, etc.  There will be an awards banquet on Wednesday evening, May 3, a special luncheon on May 4, and two days of very special events. Many of these functions will require advanced registration, so plan ahead.  If you attend just one function this year, this is the one that is not to be missed.

The other site, which you should visit regularly, is www.cadvbe.org

All Alliance information is kept updated on this site, and provides many resources for members, as well as all DVBEs.  Any comments or suggestions you may have concerning this site are always welcomed.

If you haven’t yet sent in your membership dues for 2006, don’t put it off.  We are working very hard to provide you with full support on DVBE issues in California, but as always, it’s a two-way street.  Our legislative, educational, and membership development programs are all moving forward, and we want to make sure that you stay abreast of all of the benefits that membership in the DVBE Alliance offers you.

Please feel free to contact me or our Executive Director, Rich Dryden, with any concerns or questions you may have.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Don Gonneville

Executive Director's Note:

If you paid dues in November or December of 2005, you are current for 2006.  Otherwise, please pay for 2006 at our website, or send a check to the office.