Governor McCrory’s HUB Office to Host Annual Networking Reception & Matchmaking Event | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor McCrory's Office of Small and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), within the Department of Administration, will host a special networking and matchmaking event tomorrow, March 26, 5 - 8 p.m. at NC State University's McKimmon Conference Center in Raleigh.

    "This event showcases the talent, ingenuity and resources of many of our underutilized businesses to larger traditional firms who need partners to grow and expand their markets," Governor McCrory said.

    A HUB business is defined by state law as a firm majority owned and operated by an African American, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, female, disabled or disadvantaged person.

    The event is designed to empower small and HUB firms to compete for new contracting opportunities and obtain information from HUB resource partners. The event is being held in conjunction with the Annual State Construction Conference.

    "Part of the mission of the HUB Office is to provide a gateway for businesses to gain access to State contract opportunities," said Director Dennis English. "By helping to promote small and historically underutilized businesses, we expand industry capacity and fuel sustainable economic growth."

    This year's theme, Building Relationships for Business Success, will create a forum for HUB certified firms to build mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners and obtain program information from HUB resources to expand their capacity.

    The timing of this year's event is particularly important.

    The construction industry is currently experiencing a boost due to Project Phoenix and legislation signed by Governor McCrory which appropriated $150 million for repair and renovation projects for state-owned buildings.

    "We attended the conference last year, met firms we did not know, and we were even pre-qualified for certain jobs," said Angela Esteva, business development manager for Vistabution, LLC in Raleigh. Vistabution, LLC is a minority and veteran-owned company specializing in asbestos and lead paint inspections, design, abatement, demolition, recycling and materials reclamation services.

    Registration for this event has reached a record high as more than 300 firms have registered to attend, and 90 firms have signed-up for matchmaking with prime contractors. For more information, please view this video, visit the NC HUB Office online or contact Patricia Jones, HUB Office Manager, at (919) 807-2334 or pat.jones@doa.nc.gov.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov