1/28/08 MS Office Of Supplier Diversity Releases Annual Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008
CONTACT:
Linda McDonald
(850) 921-5266
~Florida state government spends $1.1 billion with certified women- and minority-owned business enterprises during 2006-2007 fiscal year~
TALLAHASSEE- The Department of Management Services Office of Supplier Diversity today released its Annual Report2006-2007,which highlights minority spending by state government for the last fiscal year. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, state government spent $1.1 billion with certified women- and minority-owned business enterprises, a 45 percent increase over the previous year. This includes certifying 3,733 businesses in Florida.
"Supporting minority businesses is critical to the economic welfare and growth of the state of Florida," said Department of Management Services Secretary Linda H. South. "As business and government leaders, we must create an environment that bolsters economic development through diversity in spending."
During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, total state government minority spending surpassed $3.23 billion with 48 percent paid to minority non-profit organizations, 18 percent to non-certified minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises and 34 percent to certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises. Sixty-four counties in Florida have certified women- and minority-owned businesses registered with the state.
"It is clear this administration has placed a high priority on minority business enterprise spending and outreach," said Office of Supplier Diversity Director Torey Alston. "Moving forward, we must continue to develop innovative ways of increasing minority and women participation in state purchasing as we strive to improve economic opportunities across the state."
The Office of Supplier Diversity tracks spending by government with certified minority businesses, non-certified minority businesses and non-profit organizations governed by or serving minorities. This report provides a breakdown of those figures by state agency and by the type of services provided. While this annual report includes activities for the previous year, it also outlines the OSD 2010 Plan. This is the strategic plan for the office to expand business and economic opportunities for Florida's women- and minority-owned business enterprises through outreach activities, automation of services and increased accountability.
To download a copy of the report visit www.osd.dms.state.fl.us. To learn more about the Office of Supplier Diversity or minority certification call (850) 487-0915.
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