More than 400 people attended the Sands New York’s “procurement academy” this week at Suffolk County Community College.
This was the second such event, which was designed to assist prospective vendors learn how to secure contracts with Sands. Earlier this year, a similar event was held in Nassau County.
This week’s event also included a resource fair where local chambers and agencies were available to offer guidance on MWBE certification and tools available for growing businesses.
According to Sands, its proposed multi-billion-dollar resort and entertainment center on the site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum would bring millions of dollars in local contracts, as well as tens of millions of dollars to Suffolk County if it succeeds in its bid for a New York State gaming license.
Still, as LIBN has reported previously, there is opposition to the project, including from Hofstra University and the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association.
Supporters, however, say the project will bring economic benefits to the region.
“The Sands development has the potential to have a significant economic impact for our entire region,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said in a statement.
“Suffolk County’s local business community has turned out in force today – not only to show their support for the project – but to learn how to take advantage of this rare opportunity and ensure that the economic benefits reach all corners of Long Island,” he added.
The event featured breakout rooms designed to offer insights providers of food, beverage and operating services; design and construction; technology, and professional services that include benefits, marketing, labor, transportation. Sands procurement executives were on-hand to answer questions.
The event came at “a critical moment for local small businesses to gain exposure to our procurement process and our team of decision-makers,” Chad Forster, vice president of procurement for Sands Corporation, said in a statement. “We are committed to making sure that Long Island’s business community is not only part of our plans but that they can grow with us as true partners for this proposed transformational project.”
Local chambers and agencies in attendance included the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Long Island Association, Farmingdale SBDC, Stony Brook SBDC, Suffolk County Entrepreneurial Assistance Program, Long Island Small Business Assistance Corp, Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition, La Fuerza Community Development Corp, Peruvian Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs/MWBE, Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs/MWBE, Miller Business Resource Center and the Dominican Chamber of Commerce.
“Suffolk County’s small businesses recognize the great opportunity that may be coming our way, and are eager to participate in the Sands development,” Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College, said in a statement. “Our region has much to gain from this project – and we are enthusiastic about making sure that all prospective local partners are prepared.”
The Nassau County Legislature voted in May to transfer of the lease to Las Vegas Sands.
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Adina Genn
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