Eight state-related units banding together

Eight state-related agencies and institutions based in Philadelphia have banded together in an effort to share ideas and improve the local economy.

The formation of the organization, called the Pennsylvania Association of Public Services Agencies, was announced Tuesday, said Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl R. Greene, who is serving as its first president.

For its first major event, the group will hold a Small Business Expo June 2 at the Convention Center designed to teach minority- and women-owned businesses how to win government contracts, Green said.

The new organization includes the Delaware River Port Authority, the Convention Center, the Housing Authority, the Parking Authority, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, the School District of Philadelphia, Temple University, and SEPTA. - Sam Wood