300 small businesses attend ‘procurement academy’

More than 300 small businesses attended a “procurement academy ” and resource fair at Nassau Community College Thursday to learn how to do business with Las Vegas Sands at its proposed $4 billion casino/entertainment resort for the Nassau Coliseum property in Uniondale.

At the event, Norbert Riezler, vice president and chief procurement officer for Sands Corp., offered insights for those hoping to secure contracts with the organization. Experts were also on hand to discuss MWBE certification and other resources available for small businesses.

Frank Camarano Jr., president of the Chambers of Commerce,  said in a statement that the academy provided a “critical opportunity for Long Island businesses to capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime development in our region.”

“Preparation is key for these small businesses – and we want to ensure that when the project moves forward, none of our local businesses are left out,” he said.

Riezler said in a statement that the academy “reflects our commitment to small businesses on Long Island. We believe it is essential that the local economy benefit and grow with the Sands New York development.”

“As we pursue the approval process, we are committed to making sure that local businesses are part of our plans and true partners in this transformational project,” he added.

Attendees had the opportunity to attend breakout rooms for food/beverage and operating services, design and construction, technology, and professional services (i.e. benefits, marketing, labor, transportation, etc.).  Sands procurement executives in each industry and offered insights and answers to people’s questions.

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