EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine May 2018 | Page 29

F
or minority-owned businesses, there is no better time
Formal supplier diversity programs help businesses of
than the present. According to the National Minority all sizes obtain new products, services and solutions, create
Supplier Diversity Council (NMSDC), which certifies strong partnerships, promote innovation, provide economic
Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) in the U.S., MBEs (defined opportunities to small businesses, drive affordability, and help to
as businesses with at least 51 percent ownership by Asian-Indian, strengthen and advance a community’s economic base.
Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American U.S. citizens)
employ 2.25 million people directly and indirectly, and have a
Supplier Diversity in Central Florida Schools
total economic impact of $400 billion.
In addition, there are 11.6 million women-owned businesses
nationwide, employing nearly 9 million people and generating
Companies and organizations throughout Central Florida
have begun to embrace supplier diversity. One such sector where
it’s happening is in K-12 education.
more than $1.7 trillion in revenue, according to the seventh
The Volusia County Public Schools (VCPS), for example,
annual State of Women-Owned Business Report. And 2.52 million maintains a database of approximately 1,500 active vendors.
businesses nationwide are majority-owned by veterans, with total While that database doesn’t capture socio-economic-specific
annual revenues of $1.14 trillion, according to the Small Business information, VCPS vows to be transparent, fair and equitable
Administration (SBA). to all who conduct business with the district. The district’s
As the number of minority, women and veteran-owned
businesses skyrockets, companies of all sizes – including Fortune
procurement website includes opportunities for businesses to
register as a supplier.
500 firms, privately-held enterprises, not-for-profits and public/
Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), meanwhile, takes a
government agencies – are actively seeking ways to include MBEs visible and vigorous approach to supplier diversity. Within their
in their procurement processes. It’s an approach called supplier procurement services department, OCPS features an Office of
diversity, and it’s providing MBEs with tremendous opportunity Business Opportunity, with staff dedicated to maintaining and
and promise. enhancing supplier diversity.
HEIDI HERZBERG
VICE MAYOR OF DELTONA,
DELTONA CITY COMMISSION
A BIRD’S EYE VIEW.
Heidi Herzberg is not only Vice Mayor of Deltona, she has
been a small business owner, worked in both local and
international business and is an active community volunteer.
All this gives her a unique perspective on Volusia County, a
perspective that she brings to the table as a member of the
Executive Board of Team Volusia Economic Development
Corporation. Heidi knows what companies are looking for
when they are considering relocation or expansion. She
knows they can find it in Volusia County and works with
her fellow board members to help Team Volusia Economic
Development Corporation promote the community
throughout the state, across the nation and around the world.
TEAMVOLUSIAEDC.COM
386.265.6332
INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT