Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson today convened a meeting of business executives to discuss ways to increase participation in the state contracting process by minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The first meeting of the MWBE Corporate Roundtable was held today in New York City. Subsequent meetings will be held across the state.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson today convened a meeting of business executives to discuss ways to increase participation in the state contracting process by minority and women owned business enterprises ( MWBEs ).
The first meeting of the MWBE Corporate Roundtable was held today in New York City. Subsequent meetings will be held across the state.
“New York is open for business for all,” Lt. Governor Paterson said. “Our Corporate Roundtable meetings will provide new tools and opportunities for qualified MWBE firms that have historically been locked out and will help improve ability to compete for state contracts.”
Executive Director for the State Division of Minority and Women's Business, Michael Jones-Bey said: “As part of Governor Spitzer's commitment to reform government and revitalize the economy, we are improving our MWBE program. The State's current three percent annual MWBE utilization rate is unacceptable. We will work with the corporate sector, government agencies, and MWBE firms to build capacity and increase opportunities for New York's MWBE firms.”
The MWBE Corporate Roundtable will meet quarterly and provide recommendations to the State on increasing MWBE contracting. The roundtable will:
Explore technological improvements to facilitate and track MWBE contracting; Set goals for MWBE utilization; Benchmark and accurately record MWBE utilization; and Train state procurement officers to ensure full understanding of the MWBE program and opportunities. Today’s meeting included representatives from: Citigroup, PepsiCo, Consolidated Edison Co. of NY/Orange and Rockland, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Pfizer, Inc., New York Life Insurance Company, Interpublic Group, Xerox Corporation, Turner Construction Corp., American Express Company, The Business Council of New York State, Inc., Building Trades Employers’ Association, Avis Budget Group, Inc., Forest City Ratner Companies, Bank of America, and Women Presidents' Educational Organization.
Governor Spitzer has asked Lieutenant Governor Paterson to increase the number of MWBE state contracts a major priority. Shortly after taking office, on February 18th, Governor Spitzer signed Executive Order #8, creating the Executive Leadership Council and the Governor’s Corporate Roundtable.
In 2005, only three percent of state contracts were awarded to women or minority-owned businesses, even though they make up more than a quarter of all business owners. In addition, almost 57 percent of New York City construction firms are owned by minorities or women, but only 29 percent of the construction dollars are directed to such companies.
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