The Indianapolis Airport Authority hosted more than 96 representatives from minority, disadvantaged, women and veteran-business enterprises this morning at a forum to learn about the unique aspects of airport work and upcoming procurement and professional service opportunities at the IAA.
While the morning’s program focused on understanding the Central Indiana airport system, typical types of projects and the procurement process, among a range of topics, the forum was part of the IAA’s commitment to equaling the playing field for all businesses.
“Diverse thinking and input has helped IND to become a leader among airports throughout North America,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the IAA, who was recognized himself in 2016 and 2017 with awards for his leadership as a minority business professional. “And that diversity has helped the airport contribute several billions of dollars in economic impact on the Indianapolis community.”
IAA’s efforts to be inclusive of diverse businesses hasn’t gone unnoticed by the airport industry and local community.
In June, the Airport Minority Advisory Council in Washington, D.C. recognized the Indianapolis International Airport with the Airport Top Flight Award, honoring the airport for its significant contribution in supporting diverse employment and fostering growth in the development of certified diverse businesses.
The IAA was also recognized with the Same H. Jones “Best of the Best” Award this year as part of the 16th Annual Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards. The award is granted for exemplary performance in all aspects of diversity across the organization.
These awards recognize that the IAA delivers on its mission when considering diverse businesses in resourcing goods and services for the Indy airport.
In 2016, the IAA awarded $15 million (25.5 percent) in contractual opportunities to certified diverse businesses, compared to more than $58.7 million in total contract dollars spent for the same time period. And the IAA supplier diversity participation is continuing a growth trend for the remainder of 2017.
During the end of the third quarter of 2017, the IAA awarded nearly $8 million in contractual opportunities to certified diverse businesses, compared to more than $26.7 million in total contract dollars spent for the same time period.
“It takes a collective effort, if you will, of business relationships to run an airport operation like ours – from airlines to security providers to suppliers to food, beverage and retail vendors,” said Holli Harrington, IAA director of supplier diversity. “We take an open-door approach to providing opportunities for diverse businesses – casting a broad net throughout the community and inviting diverse business owners to develop a business relationship with the IAA, and our many partners.”
Today’s learning forum provided one of those opportunities.
“Events like today work to foster an environment that connects diverse businesses to the tools and resources available to help them compete fairly and equitably,” said Harrington. “In the end, that network delivers tremendous value to the people that travel IND, the Best Airport in North America, and the surrounding Indianapolis community.”
The Indianapolis International Airport contributes $5.4 billion to the local economy, and supports more than 22,500 jobs in Marion County – equating to approximately $2 billion in employee personal wages and benefits.
