Sept. 11, 2019 Contact: Joseph D. Harris Spokesman (757) 683-2137 / Office (757) 675-8087 / Cell jharris@portofvirginia.com Port First to Sign MOU with Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Commits to Support Executive Order 35 NORFOLK – The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) today became the first state office to commit to spending a percentage of its annual discretionary budget with Virginia-based small-, women-, minority- (SWaM) and service disabled veteran-owned businesses. The port did so by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). The MOU says the port will procure 42 percent of its discretionary spending needs from SWaM-certified and service disabled, veteran-owned businesses when and where possible. In July, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed Executive Order 35, which establishes specific goals and programs aimed at expanding opportunities for Virginia’s SWaM and service disabled, veteran-owned businesses. “This is a game-changer for agencies and authorities around the state,” said Tracey G. Wiley, SBSD director. “This will be a catalyst for other state agencies and authorities to align with the governor’s executive order.” John F. Reinhart, the VPA’s CEO and executive director said the port has been supporting Virginia’s SWaM and service disabled, veteran-owned businesses through an internal effort. The effort has seen the amount the port spends with SWaM and service disabled, veteran-owned businesses increase in fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018. 600 World Trade Center I Norfolk, VA 23510 I ph (757) 683 8000 I toll-free (800) 446-8098 I portofvirginia.com
