MetWorks Conference Connects Southern California Businesses With Contracting Opportunities, for Local Jobs and Economic Growth

Metropolitan, member agencies are investing billions of dollars in regional water infrastructure. MetWorks 2026 is the biggest event yet to help local businesses succeed in public contracting.

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California:

WHAT:	MetWorks is Metropolitan Water District’s annual business outreach and networking conference aimed at giving small, local and minority-owned businesses new tools and opportunities to compete for public contracts. The free event allows construction and consulting firms, suppliers and other related businesses to meet directly with project managers to learn about upcoming contracts with Metropolitan and its member agencies, and to build partnerships with other businesses. This year Metropolitan and 17 water agencies, including cities and water districts from across six counties, are participating, increasing opportunities for local contracts. More than 1,000 people have registered to attend.
WHEN:	Event from 8 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Oct. 15. Welcome remarks and presentation at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE:	Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center 601 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768
WHO:	Adán Ortega, Jr., chair, Metropolitan’s Board of Directors Shivaji Deshmukh, general manager, Metropolitan Water District Small and local business owners will be available for interviews

BACKGROUND: Metropolitan and its member agencies are investing billions of dollars in projects to ensure Southern California’s water supply is reliable and resilient. As a major force in the Southern California economy, Metropolitan has committed to making sure local, small and diverse businesses have a chance to participate in the work we do, by supporting local hiring and job training opportunities. The event is coordinated by Metropolitan’s Business Outreach program, which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and was one of the first initiatives in California established to help small, local and disabled veteran-owned businesses succeed in public contracting.