PORT OF LOS ANGELES RECEIVES “GOVERNMENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR”
AWARD FOR ITS OUTREACH TO SMALL MINORITY BUSINESSES

Greater Los Angles African American Chamber of Commerce Honors
Nation’s Leading Port at Annual Awards Banquet

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — March 28, 2007 — The Port of Los Angeles, the number one containerport in the United States, was presented with the prestigious “Government Agency of the Year” award from the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) at the organization’s 14th Annual Economic Awards Dinner.  GLAAACC recognized the Port for its dedication to ensuring smaller African American-owned businesses receive an equal opportunity to do business with the Port, including bids for construction, personal services and procurement projects.

“We are honored to receive this award for our efforts in developing business opportunities and partnerships with minority businesses,” said Molly Campbell, deputy director of administration who oversees contracts and purchasing at the Port. “We strive to create policies and procedures that work to close the economic gap between minority, women and other small businesses, by educating them on the selection process and identifying resources to enhance the success and development of their businesses.”

The Port recently revised its Small Business Development Program (SBDP) for all Port of Los Angeles construction and personal services contracts.  The new SBDP provides education, outreach, and resources to the small business community. The Port revised its former small business program, Minority-, Women-, and Other Business Program (MBE/WBE/OBE Program) to include other small business enterprises and provide all businesses and individuals open access to business opportunities available at the Port in a manner that reflects the diversity of the City of Los Angeles.   Under the new plan, emphasis has been placed on educating small business owners about bonding requirements and working to ensure that payments are made promptly so that they can continue to work efficiently, without delay.

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port.  As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.  At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach.  For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006.  The Port of Los Angeles — A cleaner port.  A brighter future.