Media Corner

For Immediate Release
June 20, 2006

Small Businesses Ready to Make a Big Splash in Water

Carson, CA - Central Basin Municipal Water District Board President Bob Apodaca invited small businesses from throughout the community to join him on a tour of the Diamond Valley Lake, a newly developed reservoir located in Hemet, CA.

As a Director representing Central Basin at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, (MWD), Director Apodaca hosts several trips throughout the year to inform the public about the region's water supply. By touring the massive dams and reservoirs that store the region's water, these trips directly engage the community and encourage involvement in key water issues.

In addition to touring two of Southern California's largest reservoirs, this trip offered a unique bonus to local businesses who wanted to learn more about pursuing business opportunities with MWD and its 26 member agencies. Participating business owners received valuable information and networked to enhance their chances of breaking into the water industry. Partnering with small businesses is just one of the ways that Central Basin is committed to giving back to its community by helping local economy thrive.

"This trip was an ideal opportunity to further Metropolitan's recent pledge to increase small business participation," said Director Apodaca. "After all, small business enterprises continue to be the driving force behind our economy. The more that we can do to support them, the better."

The Director's day-long trip came just four days after MWD partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration to increase contracting opportunities for small businesses, a collaboration that will open the door for small, minority and women-owned businesses in the region.

"As a representative for two public agencies, I have always championed to support the development of local small businesses by informing them," said Director Apodaca. "This is not the first time we have reached out to the small business community, and it will certainly not be the last. This trip was a huge success."

On Saturday, tour-goers assembled in Whittier before departing for Lake Matthews and Diamond Valley Lake. As a special bonus, guests were invited to visit MWD's newly constructed Center for Water Education at Diamond Valley Lake. The 23,000 square-foot center, which includes water-related exhibits and education labs, will not be opened to the public until October 2006.