Gene Hale, Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) stated that GLAAACC’S recent efforts to include goals for the service disabled veterans business enterprise (SDVBE) in Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAWA) procurement program is a tremendous win for veterans. LAWA has a capital renovation plan that will exceed $8billion dollars over the next few years.
“LAWA’s willingness to establish a 3 % subcontracting goal in its construction and procurement program will bring millions of dollars to these Veterans” said Hale. “This was not a hard deal to do”, he said. After meeting with LAWA’s Chief Executive Officer
Deborah Flint and LA City Council President Herb Wesson immediately agreed to move the plan to City Council for approval. The SDVBE inclusion will bring LAWA in line with LADWP programs initiated by Gwen Williams, Director of Supply Chain Services at LADWP, who instituted a SDVBE program a couple of years ago. In addition, Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas championed the LA County SDVBE and Small Business Ordinance recently.
“MTA under the leadership of CEO Phil Washington also has a very robust SDVBE program as well. This is great work and cooperation from our elected officials who will help the veterans and stimulate our local communities. Slowly but surely we are making progress and we thank all involved for the expediency of the approval,” said Hale.
