UC Irvine Minority Trade Fair Provides Contacts With Those Doing the Buying
When Fred Burrell opened his barbecue restaurant in 1980, many of the customers of his Santa Ana establishment had never tried hot link sausages, ham hocks or chitterlings.
Eight years and several tons of barbecue sauce later, Burrell’s Rib Cage boasts two locations, 35 employees and close to $700,000 in sales last year.
Even though the story of a family-owned business making it big in Orange County is not unusual, Burrell’s story is different in one aspect: he is black.
And, like any businessmen hungry for the sweet taste of success, he can be found promoting his product--most recently at the Minority and Women Owned Business Trade Fair sponsored by UC Irvine on Thursday.
The daylong event was created to bring minority and women entrepreneurs closer to those in the university community who make purchasing decisions. By most accounts, it was a success.
‘It Turned Out Great’
“Even though this was our first year, it turned out great,” said Melvin Davis, UCI’s small business coordinator. “A lot of purchasing officials from UCI turned out, as well as interested buyers for local businesses and other UC campuses.”
Davis said that although the concept was new to UCI, other UC campuses have been holding similar events for years. “It’s our turn now,” he said.
According to Arnold Kaufman, manager of business and contract services, minority and women-owned businesses accounted for about 4.5% and 6.5%, respectively, of the university’s purchasing dollars last year. The university is required to direct 3% of its purchasing dollars to minority and women-owned businesses.
Forty-six vendors set up shop at the fair, which was located in the Bren Events Center. Attendees ran the gamut from printing and graphics firms to caterers and computer suppliers. All but six are currently contracting to UCI or one of its sister campuses.
‘It Worked Out Fine’
Some businesses began contracting to the university through word of mouth or through fairs at other UC campuses.
“I can’t remember how I began catering to the university,” Burrell remarked. “Probably, someone came in my store to buy some barbecue, and they recommended me for a job.”
Holly Rundberg, the owner of Q Sales, a Pasadena computer furniture and accessories store, said the fair helped her. “Several interested buyers have approached me, so, I think it worked out fine.”
Rundberg said the event differed from most fairs she has attended in that “usually, the buyers--the big firms like PacBell or AT&T--are; in the booths, and we have to approach them. For a small firm, it’s intimidating. This set-up is much more relaxed.”
