CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The city of Corpus Christi is looking to expand its partnership with local businesses by hosting the Coastal Bend Contracting Summit on Friday at the American Bank Center.
Corpus Christi Assistant Director of Contracts and Procurement Josh Chronley said that the main goal is to try to keep business within the city.
"We like to keep the money local, because when we invest in Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi grows," he said.
As the city continues to grow, so are needs for certain services, which is why Chronley said the summit plays an important role.
"We do a lot of different types of services. We do everything from animal care services to solid waste services and everything in between. Police, fire, and all of these entities have their own facilities and need maintenance," he said.
But for those who are unsure about how to put their business out there, White Star Services LLC Business Director Fernando Flores said that the process isn't as daunting as some might think.
"When you go to the portal, the main thing is search throughout the main page and make sure that the bid opportunity applies to your company," he said.
Chronley said that there is a current need for companies that can assist with developing the city's infrastructure, such as streets. He said giving small businesses a chance will go far for all parties involved.
"The point of this event is to try and bridge that gap, so that way these small businesses can understand that these opportunities aren't just for the elite, they're for everyone," he said.
Flores said that regardless of what business you're a part of, there are a few principles that will take you a long way.
"The best advice I can give them is be consistent, and one of the main ones for me as a company owner is, be reliable," he said.
For more information about the summit and how to register, click here.