DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES THIRD MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM AGREEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: LINDA MCDONALD, (850) 921-5266

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2008

DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES

THIRD MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM AGREEMENT

~ GTECH Corporation mentors Flamingo Graphics~

TALLAHASSEE-The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) announced today that PASA Service Inc., d/b/a, Flamingo Graphics, Doral, Florida, and GTECH Corporation entered a one-year mentor-protégé agreement. This is the third mentor-protégé connection OSD made year-to-date, through its innovative program to connect minority business enterprises with corporations for business development mentoring.

"Our unique mentor-protégé program pairs minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses with corporations willing to commit to the protégé's business development," said DMS Secretary Linda H. South. "These businesses face challenges, many of which our mentor enterprises overcame during their business development. Under Governor Crist's leadership we work daily to assist these entrepreneurial businesses that are key to our state's economic success."

The mentor-protégé agreement outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both companies, and the specific assistance that GTECH provides. Flamingo Graphics conducts a self-assessment and then together with GTECH, prepares a business development plan.

"Through this partnering with the Office of Supplier Diversity, we are pleased to work with Flamingo Graphics in advancing its business development," said GTECH's Florida operations Account Development Manager Bryan Colbert. "Florida's economic growth depends on the success of all its business owners, and this agreement offers a unique opportunity for GTECH and Flamingo to work together."

As the mentor, GTECH provides technical assistance, management support and assistance with general business practices and procedures. The two companies meet monthly, and conduct quarterly formal reviews of performance and effectiveness.

"Thanks to the Office of Supplier Diversity and GTECH, we have a tremendous learning opportunity," said Blanca Bichara, president and CEO, Flamingo Graphics. "GTECH's experience and coaching will advance our business development to new levels in ways we might not achieve as quickly on our own."

The shared commitment means the two businesses examine Flamingo Graphic's strengths and needs to nurture its growth and development. The mentor-protégé program provides a competitive edge for Florida's minority business enterprises.

"The Office of Supplier Diversity is proud of its mentor-protégé program, the first state-sponsored program of its type," said OSD Director Torey L. Alston. "The program is a value-added service to our certified minority business enterprises as we continuously advocate for a fair and competitive marketplace where all American businesses have an opportunity to thrive."

The Office of Supplier Diversity certifies nearly 4,000 women- and minority-owned businesses in Florida and works to improve business and economic opportunities for them. To learn more about the Office of Supplier Diversity, call (850) 487-0915 or visit www.osd.dms.state.fl.us.

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