 Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy, California 32nd District, relates his experience and empathy in dealing with the difficulty of government regulations in business |
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Attendees at Bakersfield Small Business Forum Learned about Legislators’ and Governor’s Support for Small Business and How to Contract with Government Agencies
May 13, 2006
On May 13, 2006, Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy, who represents California’s 32nd District, provided an insightful keynote address during The Federal Technology Center’s Small Business Forum in Bakersfield. As a former small business owner himself, Assemblyman McCarthy related his experience and empathy in dealing with the difficulty of government regulations in business. McCarthy conveyed his support for small businesses and he discussed how the State’s legislators are working to improve business opportunities in California.
Yolanda Benson, Deputy Secretary for Business and Economic Development of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, gave a comprehensive luncheon address on Governor Schwarzenegger’s economic policies and accomplishments. Benson discussed how the Governor has been working to improve the budget and business climate in California, and on current action items designed to spawn and retain businesses in the state.
The Small Business Forum, sponsored in part by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, attracted 108 participants from the southern central valley, Los Angeles, the coastal region and the mountain region. Emilio Aguilera, President of Aguilera & Associates, Inc., commented that by attending the forum he was able to get, “direct contacts with the agencies I [he] wanted to do business with.” Steve Martinez, President, Allright Construction Inc. said that he learned, “that there are many doors of opportunity for me to open.” Roy Cullipher, Engineer with ARRC Technology said that he could see, “a light at the end of the tunnel. I now have hope that I can expand my business into another market.”
Representatives from federal, state, and local government agencies shared valuable information about what their agency buys, who they buy from, and solicitation and contract requirements. Speakers from Weill Institute of Bakersfield College Small Business Development Center, Edwards Air Force Base, U.S. General Services Administration, NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Fresno Office of the Small Business Administration, Naval Weapons Station China Lake, City of Bakersfield, Kern County, and California Department of General Services also had exhibits and networked throughout the day with small business owners.
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Yolanda Benson, Deputy Secretary for Business and Economic Development of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency 
