MEDIA RELEASE: DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ADDS CONSTRUCTION TO GROWING LIST OF INDUSTRIES IN MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 2, 2008

DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ADDS CONSTRUCTION

TO GROWING LIST OF INDUSTRIES IN MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM

~ Turner Construction and HZ Construction sign agreement~

ORLANDO-The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) announced today that Turner Construction (Turner) and HZ Construction, Inc. (HZ), both in Orlando, entered a one-year mentor-protégé agreement. This is the fourth mentor-protégé connection OSD made year-to-date, through its innovative program to connect minority business enterprises with corporations for business development mentoring.

"In these challenging economic times, it is encouraging to witness this sort of collaboration between business owners," said Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando. "Construction is one of several industries hit especially hard by the economic downturn over the past 12-18 months and I'm confident Turner Construction will help HZ Construction weather today's environment and come out stronger a year from now."

Under Governor Crist's leadership, DMS works daily to assist these entrepreneurial businesses that are key to our state's economic success. The Office of Supplier Diversity advocates for minority business enterprises and supports them with certification, outreach and professional development.

"The challenges continue to increase for business owners in Florida and across the country, which strengthens our commitment at DMS to minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses," said DMS Secretary Linda H. South. "As we pair those businesses with established corporations willing to commit to the protégé's business development, we add resilience to Florida's economy as we make our way through these uncertain times."

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

"Through this partnering with the Office of Supplier Diversity, we are pleased to work with HZ Construction in advancing its business development," said Turner Construction's Director of Community Affairs Vernice Atkins-Bradley, who is responsible for Turner's supplier diversity in Florida. "While our economy is experiencing a slow-down, at Turner we are not slowing down our commitment to developing small businesses."

General Manager for Turner's Special Projects Division Bryan K. Boykin, is the senior mentor to HZ and 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 Turner Construction, we have a tremendous learning opportunity," said President Anderson C. Hill, II, HZ Construction. "Turner'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 HZ's strengths and needs to nurture its growth and development. The mentor-protégé program provides a competitive edge for Florida's minority business enterprises.

"Our mentor-protégé program is the first state-sponsored program of its type," said OSD Director Torey L. Alston. "It is one of several value-added services we provide our certified minority business enterprises as we continuously advocate for a fair and competitive marketplace where all 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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