Big Business Thinking in Government on Behalf of Small Businesses featured on the In-Motion Marketing Online Radio Show, April 5, 2004 11:00am EST on www.BusinessAmericaRadio.com

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has revolutionized how government deals with the commercial sector. In August 2001, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) launched its Regional/Small Business Program based on federal Small Business Administration guidelines and as a response to Proposition 209 that eliminated Californias race and gender-based business programs. BusinessAmericaRadio.com and the in-Motion Marketing Show will host Bobbi Becker, the creator of this program at 11:00am EST.

(PRWEB) April 5, 2004--The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has revolutionized how government deals with the commercial sector. In August 2001, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) launched its Regional/Small Business Program based on federal Small Business Administration guidelines and as a response to Proposition 209 that eliminated Californias race and gender-based business programs. This aggressive business outreach program was developed to reinvest ratepayer dollars towards local economic development and recovery with business-to-business opportunities targeting small and local businesses in the Southern California area.

Results: We went from an 17% participation result to 41% in 2003, and we anticipate an additional 5% growth this year," said Bobbi Becker, Business Outreach Program Manager for the Metropolitan. What has made Ms. Becker and her staff so successful that other government agencies are following her lead? One, the CEO made this program a priority in the agency and two, I brought my education and experience in business management and public relations and transformed our internal systems and external interaction with our clients to be business friendly. Efficient, speedy and with our mind on the consumer." With $500 million dollars in annual contracting activity, Metropolitan saved $13 million for the department in business-to-business contracting the first year of the program. This past year Becker received the NAWBO-LAs Advocate of the Year Award, NAWBO Ventura Countys Corporate Leader of the Year Award, NAWBO-San Diegos Advocate of the year, the Greater Los Angeles, African American Chambers Small Business Advocate of the Year Award, and the Minority Business Development Agencys Western Regions Advocate of the Year.

As part of the outreach program to advocate and train other agency managers the how-to" of converting a bureaucratic system into an efficient business, Ms. Becker will be speaking with host Limor Schafman on The In-Motion Marketing Show," April 5, at 11:00am EST on www.BusinessAmericaRadio.com. We look for people who take marketing concepts to a new level of vision and practical use. In interviewing Ms. Becker, I realized we had something that is rarely seen in government -- a person who was able to actually effect change with business in mind. We are delighted to have her on the show."

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a consortium comprised of 26 cities and water agencies serving more than 17 million people in six counties. The District imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water recycling, desalination, conservation, storage and other water-management programs. Metropolitan utilizes all types of companies from printing, office supplies, concessionaires, real estate, building contractors, promotions just to name a few.

Contact:

Bobbi Becker

Business Outreach Program Manager

(213) 217-7603

babecker@mwdh2o.com.

In-Motion Marketing Radio Show

Hosted by Limor Schafman, President of KeystoneTechGroup (www.keystonetechgroup.com), this online radio show extracts from cutting edge marketing concepts presented by renowned authors, marketing specialists, and successful company executives. The show featuring Bobbi Becker will take place on April 5 at 11:00am EST. The show will begin its second series on Friday, April 16 from 12:00noon -- 1:00pm EST and appear every Friday thereafter on www.BusinessAmericaRadio.com.

Contact:

Limor Schafman

Host

703.205.0729

inmotion@keystonetechgroup.com

www.keystonetechgroup.com/inmotion.htm

Keystone TechGroup

Launching a new product into the market, or taking an existing product and introducing it to new markets is a challenge for any company regardless of size. Keystone TechGroup builds the bridges and opens the doors to technology companies commercial success by developing proven market strategies, building strategic alliances, and closing solution-based sales.

Contact:

Limor Schafman

President

703.205.0729

limors@keystonetechgroup.com

www.keystonetechgroup.com

BusinessAmericaRadio

Founded in 2003, BusinessAmericaRadio.com, a subsidiary of Surfnet Media Group, Inc., is the industry leader in Internet-based business radio.

Contact:

Executive Producer, Surfnet Media Group

877-311-9474 EXT. 138

spencer.coon@surfnetmedia.com

www.businessamericaradio.com

"Speak Up, The World Is Listening"