Where is the Disconnect?

I am sometimes told by those who have the power to award contracts in Virginia and many of its localities " You know I would love to award more contracts to minority companies but we just can't find any with the right credentials!". To that I say a big emphatic Bull Crap!

For the 2006-2008 biennium, total state resources available for appropriation in Virginia are projected to equal $78.7 billion of which over $3 billion is slated for capital improvements. Here is the real kicker, of all contracts awarded to companies for products and services less then 1% goes to minority business. That means that 99% of the $3 billion go to white companies. The funny thing is minorities make up more then a 1/3 of the population. The disparity is absolutely astonishing.

I speak to minority business owners daily and the theme is always the same they can't get the good contracts consistently that would allow them to grow and stay at capacity. So it seems the business owners are looking for procurement opportunities and procurement directors are "looking" for minority businesses, Where is the disconnect?

I say the disconnect only exist because we (minorities) have allowed it! We have become complacent to the point that we don't feel we are entitled to our fair share. Let's not continue to leave $100 billion + on the table! Let's go get it, its ours and I pledge to do all I can to help make this a reality. The Energy of Diversity - The Power of Business!

Make Money, Have Fun & Be A Blessing,
Maestro