DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- After awarding more than $565 million to minority and women-owned businesses (MWBE) during the $2.7 billion Capital Development Program, DFW International Airport honored 14 North Texas businesses and leaders for their commitment to MWBE efforts during the first Commitment to Excellence in Diversity Awards, Thursday, Sept. 8.
The awards presentation, held at DFW's new Grand Hyatt Hotel, highlighted the critical contributions by Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) during the construction of International Terminal D, Skylink and the Grand Hyatt.
More than 220 minority and women-owned firms have participated in the construction of Terminal D, Skylink and Grand Hyatt and have earned more than $565 million in revenue and make up more than 30 percent of the overall contracting dollars spent.
International Terminal D, Skylink and the Grand Hyatt comprise the largest portion of the Airport's $2.7 billion Capital Development Program and all opened to the public this summer. The event was hosted by the Airport's Small and Emerging Business Department, which recruited and cultivated hundreds of MWBE contractors over the course of the project.
"The Capital Development Program has been a huge success by a variety of measures, and our MWBE program is truly one of the highlights that is setting a national standard for excellence," says Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport. "Our Airport and our Board has made our MWBE program a strategic priority in building Skylink, International Terminal D and the Grand Hyatt, and the hundreds of millions of dollars earned by minority and women-owned businesses in North Texas have built world-class international air facilities that will serve our region for decades to come. This expansion truly represents the diversity of our region."
"The success of the MWBE program cannot be accurately measured by looking solely at statistics and numbers," said Don T. O'Bannon, Vice-president of Small & Emerging Business at DFW Airport. "The Airport recognizes that the most significant element of our MWBE program is the impact the program has had upon the development of a strong pool of minority and women-owned businesses. This event highlights more than the millions of dollars spent with MWBE firms, but is a tribute to the contractors and consultants that truly embraced diversity and inclusiveness and the individual minority and women-owned firms that took advantage of the opportunity and excelled."
"International Terminal D and the Skylink automated people mover system relied heavily on MWBE participation," said Clay Paslay, DFW Executive Vice President of Airport Development. "In addition to its strong MWBE record, DFW is proud of our excellent safety program and our ability to stay on budget and on schedule."
The awards ceremony included a special recognition in honor of the late artist Arthello Beck Jr. He was a renowned Dallas-based African American artist whose work is displayed in the new International Terminal D. A 10-piece collection of his artwork was exhibited during this special event. Beck's wife, Mae, was present to accept the award in honor of her husband.
"Our company is most proud of our employees and the growth we've experienced while working with DFW since 1986," said Luis Spinola of Azteca Enterprises Inc., winner of the CEO Award and Leadership Award. "The Airport has been our mentor over the years, and this award is a tremendous encouragement for us to continue doing good work."
"We are excited and grateful to be part of DFW Airport and its commitment to excellence and knowing that, together, we share in that commitment," said Nancy Sanders of Economy Signs & Banners Inc., winner of the Excellence Award.
"This award means all of the hard work and effort is worth it," said Rick Lee of HKS, winner of the MWBE Advocate Award. "It's not about being recognized, but rather about creating relationships that will last beyond this program and sharing what we've learned so others can grow."
Commitment to Excellence in Diversity Awards Winners: Excellence Award Construction - Prime Hensel-Phelps Construction Co. Excellence Award Construction - Large Subcontractor ATS Drilling LP Excellence Award Construction - Small Subcontractor Economy Signs & Banners Inc. MWBE Advocate Award Construction Simeon Terry MWBE Advocate Award Construction Eugene Walker Leadership Award Construction - Mentor Azteca Enterprises Inc. Excellence Award Professional Services - Prime Kellogg Brown & Root Inc. Excellence Award Professional Services - Large Subconsultant Morning Associates Inc. Excellence Award Professional Services - Small Subconsultant Moye I.T. Consulting Inc. MWBE Advocate Award Professional Services Rick Lee Leadership Award Professional Services - Mentor Lea + Elliott Leadership Award Professional Services - Mentor Paragon Project Resources Inc. Excellence Award Goods & Services - Prime Terra Mar Inc. Excellence Award Goods & Services - Subcontractor Phenixx Marketing LLC Minerva Hernandez-Hinkle "MVP" Award Airport Board - MWBE Advocate Cathleen Baulisch CEO Award Azteca Enterprises Inc. About DFW International Airport
Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 2,000 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 135 domestic and 39 international destinations worldwide. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to http://www.dfwairport.com .
SOURCE DFW International Airport
CONTACT: Ken Capps, Vice President Public Affairs of DFW International Airport, +1-972-574-8080, or [email protected]
