Central Regional Contracting Forum & Contractor Exchange

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Inaugural Central Regional Contracting Forum – Connecting Businesses to Opportunities in Central Washington

📅 Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
📍 Location: Yakima Convention Center
🎟️ Cost: Free (Registration required)

Agenda:

Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

9:00 AM- 12:00 PM              Morning Presentations

1:00 PM- 3:00 PM                Contractor Exchange

The Inaugural Central Regional Contracting Forum will bring together contractors, consultants, architecture and engineering (A&E) firms, vendors, and business owners from across Central Washington to explore contracting opportunities and build valuable relationships with industry leaders.

As the first event of its kind in the Central Region, this forum is designed to create intentional space for collaboration, education, and economic growth—with a strong focus on supporting Minority-Owned, Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Businesses (MWVBE).

The event is hosted by the Central Regional Contracting Forum Committee, a collaborative effort between:

• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
• Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
• Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises
• Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington
• Yakima County Development Association

What to Expect

✔️ Networking with public agency representatives and prime contractors
✔️ Business showcases and exhibit opportunities
✔️ Sessions and resources focused on business readiness and growth
✔️ Central Washington-specific contracting information and upcoming projects
✔️ Spanish interpretation services available for accessibility
✔️ One-on-One Matchmaking Sessions with general contractors (sign-up required)

“Creating intentional spaces where local businesses can connect with decision-makers and explore upcoming projects is essential to fostering economic growth in our communities.”
– Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, Yakima County Development Association

“We are excited to host this event and provide a platform for diverse businesses to engage and thrive.”
– Celina Sanchez, Central District Manager, AGC of Washington

Who Should Attend?

• Prime contractors and general contractors
• Minority-, Veteran-, and Women-Owned businesses
• Consultants and vendors
• A&E firms and subcontractors
• Local businesses seeking public and private sector opportunities

Register Now

This event is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required.

Click here to register via Eventbrite »

Contractor Exchange 

General contractors and MWVBE firms will have the opportunity to participate in pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings at the end of the forum. These sessions are designed to foster connections, open new doors for subcontracting, and support inclusive project development across the region.

Each GC will have pre-scheduled eight-minute face-to-face sessions (12 interviews total) from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Seating is limited to 15 contractors. 

NOTE: Lunch will be served prior to the event.  Attendees of the Exchange are welcome come early to participate in the Contracting Forum. Please let us know if you will participate in the forum and stay for lunch.

General Contractor Table Registration » (Registration will close 8/25)

MWVBE Registrations will open 8/25 @ 3PM. Sign Up for Matchmaking Sessions »

Contact

Celina Sanchez
Central Washington District Manager, AGC of Washington
Planning Committee Member –Central Regional Contracting Forum