By Lookout Staff

November 9, 2011 -- If your business is local, small and women or minority-owned, the Santa Monica School District wants to encourage you to compete for lucrative contracts at a networking event Wednesday night.

The bidding opportunities include the District’s $356 million dollar facility improvements projects program, Measure BB and the Civic Center Joint Use Project (CCJUP).

"The District's requires a large combination of qualified contractors and professionals," District officials said. "The school district strives to support both the community and the hiring of qualified local contractors, suppliers, vendors and individuals providing professional services."

The initiative is part of the Santa Monica's Buy Local Hire Local program that encourages local businesses to hire within their community.

"This program was designed to stimulate taxpayers to give back to their community, which as an end result promotes strength and growth in the community of Santa Monica," District officials said.

To boost the program, the District's Facility Improvement Projects (FIP) office will be hosting a networking event in collaboration with Santa Monica College and the City of Santa Monica on Nov. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School Auditorium

"The goal of the event is to attract qualified individuals and businesses, increase awareness and participation in the Hire Local Buy Local program and to provide networking opportunities for school and public procurement," District officials said.