Economic Development Authority strengthens commitment to increasing supplier diversity
Henrico, Virginia, January 26, 2021
The Henrico Economic Development Authority (EDA) has announced that it is expanding its supplier diversity policies in order to promote equity throughout its business community. The organization is also partnering with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity and Henrico’s supplier relations manager to increase Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) business certification and company awareness.
“Recent events throughout our country have shown a spotlight on the disparity in opportunity for small and minority-owned businesses,” said Anthony Romanello, Henrico EDA Executive Director. “We can all see how systemic roadblocks and perpetual inequality have taken an incalculable toll on our communities, companies, and economies. Something has to change – and it starts here in Henrico.”
As part of its strategy, the Henrico EDA will proactively engage with local companies to discuss supply chain, vendor, and contractor needs and provide resources to help businesses access a more diverse array of suppliers. The EDA will also join the Henrico Purchasing Division in hosting webinars on the SWaM certification process in order to educate local businesses and expand its database of certified companies.
“Entrepreneurs power our economy,” added Romanello. “Henrico will work tirelessly to help each one of them get their foot in the door. We want our community to be a beacon of inclusion – a place where business owners from all cultures and backgrounds can come and thrive.”
Read the official SWaM statement here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information on this topic, contact:
Anthony J. Romanello
Executive Director