Diversity Program is a National Model
Atlanta, Georgia - Proclaiming diversity as a mainstream American ideal, today Mayor Shirley Franklin and community leaders celebrated the success of the Atlanta Diversity Program at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“As the most diverse nation on earth, there should be no job or business opportunity that is precluded to any citizen by virtue of race, gender or ethnicity. We’re building a workforce and a business community that more truly represents our population. I’m proud to say that our Diversity Program is a success and a model for the entire country,” said Franklin.
To alleviate past discrimination and to address the lack of opportunities for minority and female-owned businesses, the City of Atlanta created a Diversity Program for the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport expansion to promote equal opportunity for all businesses in the Atlanta region. The Airport Diversity Program has two components. Federally funded construction projects are covered under the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and the city funded projects are covered under the City’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) program.
The Atlanta Airport Diversity Program is unquestionably a success, significantly increasing minority and female participation on contracting projects. There are more than 270 minority and female-owned contractors, consultants, vendors and suppliers participating in the expansion of Hartsfield-Jackson. These companies have been paid more than $233,000,000 to date, or 36%.
Hartsfield-Jackson’s $5.4 billion expansion, which includes the 5th Runway and the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. International Terminal, is the largest public works project in the history of Georgia. The airport generates more than $16 billion per year for Georgia’s economy. It is not only the World’s Busiest Airport, but was named recently as the World’s Most Efficient Big Airport.
Ben DeCosta, Aviation General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson, said that the program has exceeded its goals. “We will continue to identify, recruit and retain qualified minority and female-owned companies. We are committed to eliminating artificial barriers, thus guaranteeing opportunity for all who wish to participate.”
Six minority and female business owners were on hand to talk about what the Diversity Program has meant to them: Arthur Queen, Ebony Glass & Mirror Company; Sergio LeGuizamon, Browder & LeGuizamon; Joanne Tuttle, JAT Consulting Services; Cecil Chan, Cecil Chan & Associates; Henrietta Kisseih, Kissberg Construction and Milton Clowers, Uptime Electic Company.
“I believe in the American Dream. Everyone who is willing to work hard and play by the rules should have an opportunity to experience the American Dream. In order to make that vision a reality, we have to put away artificial barriers that, in the past, have prevented female and minorities from building businesses that can compete in the world today. Through our Diversity Program, Atlanta is doing just that,” said Franklin.