Local Businesses Recognized For Minority Support
ENTERPRISE ADVOCATES: Vernelle Chase, Flintco Companies, was named “Minority Business Advocate” during Oklahoma Minority Enterprise Development Week. Accepting the award are Chase (left) and Robin Flint Ballenger, Flintco chairman of the board. Also pictured are representatives from NABEC and the Minority Business Development Agency.
Courtesy NABEC
Two area businesses were among recipients of awards during Oklahoma Minority Enterprise Development Week. The award recipients participated in a celebration of the success held at the Metro Technology Center, Oklahoma City. The event was coordinated by the Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. ().
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., with operations in Tulsa and McAlester, was awarded the “Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award.” The company purchased nearly $54 million in goods and services from minority-owned businesses in support of its major manufacturing programs. Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. also moved up the ladder of competition into the Regional Awards of the Minority Business Development Agency.
Vernelle Chase, Tribal Liaison of the Flintco Companies Native American Division in Tulsa received the “Minority Business Advocate” award. As Tribal Liaison, Chase is responsible for providing guidance to each of the nine offices from coast-to-coast for Flintco Companies, which provide quality building solutions throughout Indian country.
“Oklahoma minority-owned businesses have generated over $5 billion in gross receipts in Oklahoma and these businesses have significantly contributed to that economic impact,” says James Ray, NABEC coordinator. “We were pleased to recognize them for their success and their contribution to the state’s economy.”
opened the NABEC office two years ago through an award from the Minority Business Development Agency, U. S. Department of Commerce. Since that time, the economic impact from NABEC services is over $38 million. Through strategic partnerships with leading Oklahoma organizations, NABEC strives to assist minority business owners in reaching the next stage of growth for their companies with a special focus on procurement of government contracts. For more information, visit www.oknabec.com.
Updated 08-24-2009
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