FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 8, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573) 751-0290
Governor Blunt Creates Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity
Improves State’s MBE/WBE Participation Programs
JEFFERSON CITY—At a press conference today Gov. Matt Blunt signed an executive order creating the Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity and implementing programs to increase Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) participation in state contracts. Blunt also appointed Donna White as director of the new office.
The programs correct a flawed initiative, created under previous administrations, that was suspended as a result of a legal challenge and subsequent injunction. Today’s executive order establishes MBE/WBE participation programs that will withstand constitutional scrutiny and that will more adequately address the compelling needs and obstacles of minority and women-owned businesses.
"State agencies must pursue contracts that afford meaningful opportunities for diverse businesses and must work to eliminate the existing disparity," Blunt said. "Through Donna White’s leadership the Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity and the new MBE/WBE participation programs will help ensure state contracts reflect the presence and capability of businesses owned by women and minorities in Missouri."
The new office and participation programs will add to Missouri’s improving entrepreneurial climate and enhance the economic health and prosperity of the state by promoting greater use of minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
The Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity will assist in the coordination and implementation of the new MBE/WBE programs. The director will advise the governor on issues regarding equal employment opportunity. The office replaces the Office of Equal Opportunity in the Office of Administration.
Under the new MBE/WBE participation programs state agencies, working with the Office of Administration (OA) and the Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity, will continue to make every feasible effort for participation at 10 percent MBE and 5 percent WBE. In OA’s Division of Purchasing and Materials Management vendors will be required to include MBE/WBE participation information in their contract proposals. MBE/WBE participation will be a considered as a significant factor in a contract bid. In OA’s Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction (FMDC) the program has overall MBE/WBE participation targets that will be set on a project by project basis.
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