The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Business Leaders Series Online has been an excellent way for the business community in greater Arlington to stay connected and learn something new about how to do business during this unprecedented time. The City of Arlington has been a great partner in helping us make this series a success. Yesterday (May 19), we had Reginald Cleveland discuss how to do business with the government.
Reginald E. Cleveland is the MWBE (Minority/Woman Business Enterprise) Coordinator for the City of Arlington. He is responsible for managing the City’s Local & MWBE Policy, vendor/supplier outreach & training, supplier registration, tracking and reporting Local and MWBE vendor award and spend, and identify current trends to City Council and City Manager’s Office.
Cleveland gave great insight into how to work with the local government to do business. He discussed how to become familiar with what the city needs by identifying city purchases like the annual contract listing and upcoming city-wide projects.
Cleveland also expanded on how to become more involved with the city when it comes to doing business. He discussed opportunities, including outreach initiatives such as monthly supplier meetings with city partner agencies (AISD and UTA Purchasing Departments). He also mentioned supplier meet and greet events that are designed to help registered suppliers and new firms meet city department representatives and partnering public agencies for quote opportunities.
Another way to stand out when working with the city and its partners, is by attending workshops hosted by business assistance agencies and chambers, partner with other companies, attend pre-bid and proposal meetings and participate in industry-specific agency programs.
Here are some links to visit if you are interested in working more with the City of Arlington.