TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama has invited minority general contractors and subcontractors to attend a forum on doing business with the University on Monday, Oct. 29 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“The University of Alabama has $123 million in construction projects identified in its 2007-2008 annual capital development plan,” said Christopher H. Spencer, the program planner and associate director for community development in the UA Center for Community-Based Partnerships. “This Minority Business Forum is a great opportunity for minority businesses to receive specific bidding information relative to these projects.”

Two UA divisions, Community Affairs and Financial Affairs, have joined to sponsor the event. “A total of 50 spaces are available to minority business enterprises at no cost. Participants will leave campus knowing a great deal about how to contract for construction business with the University,” said Dr. Samory Pruitt, vice president for community affairs at UA.

Interested participants are encouraged to make reservations if they would like to attend. This is the second forum the University has sponsored that focuses on minorities doing business with the University. The first was held this spring at the Bryant Conference Center. For information about the spring Minority Business Forum or to register online for the fall forum, go to www.ccbp.ua.edu.

The upcoming forum will include sessions on construction and bids for large projects, risk management requirements, a networking luncheon, construction and bids for small projects and City of Tuscaloosa opportunities.

The Center for Community-Based Partnerships is an initiative of Community Affairs that supports the teaching, research and service mission of the University and addresses specific quality of life needs identified by community partners.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.