NEWS RELEASE: DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM AGREEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LINDA MCDONALD (850) 921-5266

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008

DMS OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES

MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM AGREEMENT

~Tallahassee businesses Deloitte Consulting, LLP, and ISOCORP Inc. are first participants~

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) announced today that Deloitte Consulting, LLP (Deloitte), and ISOCORP Inc., both of Tallahassee, entered a one-year mentor-protégé agreement. This innovative OSD program connects minority- and women-owned businesses with corporations for business development mentoring. Deloitte, the mentor business, provides tactical and strategic guidance for ISOCORP, the protégé business.

"We created our mentor-protégé program, the first state-sponsored program of its type, to pair minority- and women-owned businesses with corporations that have the resources and senior level commitment to nurture the minority business enterprise," said DMS Secretary Linda H. South. "This program increases opportunities, develops joint ventures and provides protégé businesses with the tools necessary for success, all of which contribute to Florida’s economic growth."

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

"We are pleased to partner with the Office of Supplier Diversity in this program and we look forward to helping ISOCORP advance its business development," said John Hugill, principal, Deloitte. "Deloitte is committed to the economic growth of our great state and to the successful growth of ISOCORP."

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

"ISOCORP appreciates the support of the Office of Supplier Diversity in offering this program and finalizing this agreement," said Walter Ales, ISOCORP president. "This is a phenomenal learning experience for us, and Deloitte Consulting’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to our growth and future success."

The shared commitment between the two businesses allows for examination of ISOCORP’s strengths and needs, and nurtures its growth and development. The mentor-protégé program provides a competitive edge for Florida’s minority business enterprises.

"The Office of Supplier Diversity is pleased to re-launch the mentor-protégé program and to connect these two businesses," said OSD Director Torey L. Alston. "The program is a value-added service to our certified minority business enterprises and we look forward to connecting other mentor and protégé businesses."

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 <http://www.osd.dms.state.fl.us/> .

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