LA Contractor Connection Summer 2021 | Page 22

IN THE NEWS

INGRID MERRIWETHER , PRESIDENT & CEO OF MERRIWETHER & WILLIAMS INSURANCE SERVICES

Ingrid Merriwether
A Foundation of Advocacy Leads to Success . Ingrid Merriwether mentors businesses to reach their maximum potential .
In the male dominated insurance industry , Ingrid Merriwether , President and Chief Executive Officer of Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services ( MWIS ), has built a thriving multimillion dollar business by fulfilling a niche in the industry . MWIS is the link between public entities seeking to provide contract opportunities and qualified small , disadvantaged businesses . The agency designs and administers a unique and Contractor Development and Bonding Program ( CDABPs ) on behalf of public entities seeking greater inclusion of underrepresented businesses in public contracting .
Merriwether has been advocating on behalf of small , minority , women , disabled and veteran-owned businesses for over two decades . MWIS specializes in property , casualty insurance brokerage , surety bonds and risk management consulting services .
Merriwether ’ s dedication to advocacy and inclusion is demonstrated throughout MWIS ’ core business areas .
The CDABP was specifically designed to help small minority diverse contractors expand their capacity and prepare them to compete for public contracts .
MWIS has administered CDABP for several large public entities including the City of Los Angeles , Los Angeles Metro , Alameda County , and the City and County of San Francisco .
Over a thousand small minority and veteranowned businesses have completed public works contracts with the assistance of MWIS Contractor Development and Bonding Programs . Collectively , these programs have enabled small and minority contractors to bid on over $ 1.042 Billion in public works construction projects to-date , establishing strong bonding credit and building the foundation for ongoing business success .
“ Bonding can be a major impediment for small contractors to be able to bid and
22 - imwis . com