Teresa Bliven This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. www.oregonminoritybusiness.com

   www.oregonminoritybusiness.com - [Cached]

   Published on: 1/1/2006   Last Visited: 5/11/2007

   For dates of SMP enrollment periods, to inquire about training opportunities or for other information, contact Teresa Bliven, Sheltered Market Program Coordinator at 503-823-5701.
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   Teresa Bliven, Sheltered Market Program Coordinator
   ...
   Teresa Bliven , Program Coordinator manages the City of Portland's Sheltered Market Program (SMP) which seeks to improve opportunities for M/W/ESB construction firms. Program participants compete among themselves for contracting opportunities on various construction projects, ranging from $5,000 to $200,000.
   
   According to Teresa, five city bureaus place projects into the program: the Water Bureau, Bureau of Transportation, Bureau of Environmental Services, Bureau of General Services and Parks Bureau. Projects include street improvements, sewer construction, electrical wiring, building construction, irrigation and sprinkling systems, landscaping, park improvements, and more. "We have a wide range of trades represented in the program" said Teresa.
   
   Currently, there are 80 SMP participants, all in varying trades of work and stages of program enrollment. From 1998 to 2004, the City of Portland has awarded more than $9 million to Sheltered Market contractors. More than 300 M/W/ESB firms have participated since the program was launched in 1998.
   
   "Over the last nine years we have learned a great deal. We have a better understanding of the challenges and obstacles that business owners face in the marketplace today," said Teresa.
   
   While in the program, SMP participants are offered services and resources at little to no cost. "How we deliver services and resources will continue to evolve." said Teresa. One of these resources includes a discounted membership to the Daily Journal of Commerce Plan Center. "We will continue to look for new avenues to support the growth of SMP firms," said Teresa.
   
   Firms admitted to the program are eligible to participate for up to for five years. "This program is much more than just bidding opportunities. Immediately upon entering the program a firm will have many opportunities to bid on new projects, participate in business development training sessions and build new relationships." said Teresa.
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   We want to see firms succeeding long after participating in the program" said Teresa.
   
   Technical Assistance Program. The City of Portland along with Multnomah County and Portland Development Commission all partner in the Technical Assistance Program in an effort to provide M/W/ESB construction firms with the opportunity to grow their businesses through business development training.
   
   Teresa Bliven, Program Coordinator, manages the City of Portland's Technical Assistance Program for M/W/ESB construction firms. "The program is designed to empower business owners with new knowledge. We want to see M/W/ESB firms become more competitive in the marketplace" said Teresa.
   
   Any M/W/ESB construction business owner or employee is eligible to participate in the Technical Assistance Program. All classes are currently offered at no charge. "This is a tremendous opportunity for M/W/ESB firms to invest in their companies" said Teresa
   
   Throughout the year M/W/ESB construction owners and their employees have many options to participate in technical and business development training. A wide range of training opportunities are offered including computer classes in Excel, Word and QuickBooks; Portland Community College courses on Bidding and Estimating and classes on "How to Create a Marketing and Business Plan" and more .
   
   "We have found that over the years there are certain classes that are constantly in demand" said Teresa.
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   There is something for everyone," Teresa said.
   
   Professional Services Marketing and Outreach Program.

2. 2. www.agc-oregon.org

   www.agc-oregon.org/public/boar - [Cached]

   Published on: 1/1/2006   Last Visited: 3/3/2007

   To register contact Teresa Bliven, 503-823-5701.
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   To register contact Teresa Bliven, 503-823-5701.

3. 3. Welcome to Spiritecho.com - Testimonials Page

   www.spiritecho.com/testimonial - [Cached]

   Published on: 2/8/2004   Last Visited: 3/2/2006

   --Teresa Bliven
   
   Program Coordinator