State Spending with Minority Businesses Hits Record Level

STATE SPENDING WITH MINORITY BUSINESSES HITS RECORD LEVEL

Governor Jeb Bush today announced the State of Florida has spent a record breaking $761.2 million with certified minority and women-owned businesses in Florida during the past year. Minority spending throughout state government has increased $497 million or 189% since the 1998-99 fiscal year.

"I am proud of the increases Florida has seen in minority business spending during the last eight years," said Governor Bush. "I applaud the commitment of state agency managers and purchasing agents who continue to look for new and innovative ways to expand diversity in state contracting and increase opportunities for all Florida businesses."

This year's spending is the highest since the "Equity in Contracting" component of the One Florida Initiative began. In 1999, when the initiative was introduced, total certified minority spending in state government was approximately $263 million. Under the One Florida Initiative, Governor Bush challenged Florida's state agencies to increase minority business spending and expand outreach and services to minority businesses statewide.

The Department of Management Services, Office of Supplier Diversity has worked to connect minority vendors and state government spenders with effective networking sessions and quality educational and training experiences, such as the annual Matchmaker Conference and Trade Fair.

The Department of Management Services is hosting the annual Matchmaker Conference and Trade Fair on November 15-17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Matchmaker, recognized as Florida's signature event for minority and women business entrepreneurs, provides a forum for minority businesses, state purchasing officers and private industry to share ideas and foster new business partnerships.

"The Department of Management Services is committed to advocating for minority businesses within state government and beyond," said Secretary Tom Lewis, Jr. "The Matchmaker Conference is just one of the many ways we help minority business vendors connect with government spenders."

This business conference is designed to create an atmosphere that allows small and minority businesses to interact directly with state procurement officials and large corporations to build lasting relationships. This year's event features more than 200 companies that will seek to purchase goods and services from eligible, certified minority vendors.

Registration opportunities are still available. For more information, please visit www.flmatchmaker.com or contact the Department of Management Services, Office of Supplier Diversity at 850-487-0915. For more information on minority contracting, please visit www.oneflorida.org

http://www.flgov.com/release/8363