The 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee has issued an appeal to companies nationwide in search of businesses that can hire or award convention-related contracts to small businesses in Tampa Bay. The committee also made a similar appeal to local Chambers of Commerce and its own members. Both are part of the committee's small business networking program, which holds a key meeting on Jan. 19  for local companies interested in competing for business connected to the convention, scheduled for Aug. 27-30 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.