PGW Introduces the PGW Diverse Business Development Program
Posted on: Oct 23, 2023For some Greater Philadelphia companies looking to grow their business, gaining access to information, or acquiring the right contacts, can be a barrier to greater success. Recognizing the challenges these businesses face, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) established the PGW Diverse Business Development Program (DBDP): Fostering Diverse Enterprises and Promoting Economic Expansion, a nine-month educational approach to help diverse and local suppliers prepare for and navigate the procurement process and potential contracting opportunities in the natural gas industry.
The program is a win-win opportunity for all involved: PGW can increase its potential diverse vendor pool; businesses interested in the natural gas industry will gain valuable knowledge and experience; and Philadelphia communities benefit through increased economic and job opportunities.
“PGW’s Diverse Business Development Program is a great way for us to foster, develop, and coach those small diverse organizations on how to work with companies like ours and gain a competitive advantage,” said Dr. Erica Patterson, Director of Contract Management and Supplier Diversity at PGW.
The inaugural cohort of seven diverse business professionals arrived at PGW’s new North Operations Center on October 18, 2023, to begin a nine-course curriculum – developed by PGW – tailored toward gas main replacement construction. Future cohort participants can help mold a clean energy future for Philadelphia.
Throughout the duration of the program, the program participants will:
- Learn how PGW operates to provide the City of Philadelphia with safe and reliable natural gas service.
- Understand how to navigate PGW’s procurement process and compete for contracts.
- Obtain up-to-date natural gas industry-related information.
- Gain access to and build relationships with PGW decision-makers.
As the program proceeds, each business will have the opportunity to learn and understand the qualifying requirements of our gas main replacement program and future contract opportunities through trainings, assessments, and demonstrations with small pilot projects.
The program will be conducted monthly with a hybrid structure offering both virtual and in-person learning modules that will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (most modules) at PGW’s offices. Once the program concludes successfully in June 2024, each DBDP participant will earn a certificate of completion from the program.
The seven businesses participating in the inaugural cohort of PGW’s DBDP are:
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“PGW is honored and happy to put this program into place and grateful to the business executives who joined this endeavor,” said Dr. Patterson. “This program will not only benefit the professional business owners enrolled, but also help the community PGW serves to grow and promote an inclusive environment through corporate-community partnerships.”
(Left to right)
William Bowie, President & CEO – Empower Construction, LLC, Patricia LaRoche, President & Owner – Cameron Associates 8, LLC, L Elaine Johnson, President – LaPutt Enterprise, LLC, Dominiques Fragoso, Project Administrator Assistant – G&B Construction Company, Pat Sanford, CEO – Alexander Perry, Inc., Valarie Cofield, Executive Vice President, Business Development – Carr & Duff, LLC, and Jonathan Cedotal, Owner - Cedotal Construction.
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