EDA Hosts Contractor Outreach Workshop in Camden

Camden, NJ (April 16, 2002) - The Economic Development Authority (EDA) hosted a fifth "Contractor Workshop" in the City of Camden, as part of its ongoing efforts to reach out to members of the construction trades to avail them of the opportunities presented by the State's landmark $8.6 billion school construction program. Contractors, vendors, manufacturers and the business community at-large learned about the millions of dollars in school construction which is slated to be advertised for bid in the Camden school district as well as the districts of Trenton, Bridgeton, Burlington, Gloucester, Millville, Pemberton, Pleasantville and Vineland.

Caren S. Franzini, Executive Director, EDA

Caren S. Franzini, Executive Director, NJ Economic Development Authority (EDA) opened the workshop by welcoming the attendees and providing an overview of the school construction program, emphasizing the development of a pre-apprenticeship training program for women and minority candidates and EDA's goal of making it easier for contractors to participate in the school construction program. Contractors were advised of a "one stop shop" available on the schools website at www.njedaschools.com where they can find all the forms they need to fulfill classification requirements in order to be eligible to bid and do work on public schools in New Jersey. In addition, a "Contractor Helpline" 609-943-4143 has been established where contractors may call EDA for additional assistance

Mayor Gwendolyn Faison

 

Mayor Gwendolyn Faison welcomed the contracting community to the city, and emphasized the need for the citizens of Camden, the school district and the State to work together to build quality schools. More importantly, community schools, facilities that will share program space with the surrounding neighborhoods, such as libraries, health care and recreational areas. The Mayor was pleased the school construction program would provide not only job opportunity to the community, but also a pre-apprenticeship training program. Contractors were urged to follow the process, take no shortcuts, and pay attention to detail. Mayor Faison hoped everyone would be able to enjoy the benefits of the good things coming to Camden, she exclaimed to the attendees that the train is coming, if you didn't want to get run over, either get on the train or get off the track!

Superintendent Annette Knox, Camden Public Schools

Annette Knox, district superintendent, addressed the audience and spoke about the positive changes coming to Camden and how proud she was to be a part of those changes, to have the opportunity to touch the future with the kind of schools we want our children to attend. The superintendent urged the attendees to be ready to participate. Superintendent Knox expressed her sincere appreciation to the EDA, in particular, Executive Director, Caren Franzini, Donald Moore, Director, Division of School Design and Construction, and Camden City Mayor Faison.

The "Contractor Outreach Workshops" were created in an effort to educate construction contractors about the steps they need to take to become eligible to bid on the upcoming school construction projects, contractors were able to speak with State agency representatives and review the documentation necessary to become eligible to participate in one of the largest public works program of its type in New Jersey history.

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