St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council Reveals Billion Dollar Impact’s First Year Results

May 31, 2012 - PRLog -- ST. LOUIS, MO. – The St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council (St. Louis MSDC) celebrates the accomplishments of Billion Dollar Impact participants to stimulate the region’s economy with more than $275,000,000 in new commitments with MBE firms.  The Billion Dollar Impact is a proactive venture to stimulate the St. Louis area economy by $1 billion in new MBE spend, and increase area employment by 2,000 new jobs by July 1, 2014.

In its first year, the program has already gained numerous agreements and contracts between the public and private sectors, and MBEs throughout the area. The St. Louis MSDC is rapidly approaching its goal of increasing new MBE spend.

“The Billion Dollar Impact is designed to create jobs, expand local businesses, circulate tax dollars and position St. Louis, the region and Missouri as leaders in economic growth,” said James Webb, President & CEO of the St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council.  “This program challenges St. Louis’ ongoing commitment to economic growth.”

Corporations and MBEs who have contracted to increase MBE spend as part of the Billion Dollar Impact are being recognized today at the St. Louis MSDC’s Business Opportunity Fair.  Some of those companies include Ameren Corporation, BJC Healthcare, The Boeing Company, Metropolitan Sewer District, Missouri Department of Transportation, State of Missouri, Laclede Gas and Alberici Constructors.

“The success of the Billion Dollar Impact so far reflects the fact that St. Louis businesses have stepped up to support local minority business enterprises and foster growth in our business community,” said Mayor Francis Slay.

The St. Louis MSDC will continue to work with both the public and private sector to develop additional contract opportunities throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area.  By using minority vendors, corporations demonstrate their support for sustainable vendor relationships that will not only strengthen the business objectives of the corporation, but will also benefit our community.  

“It is important for businesses to step up and realize that local suppliers are the way to grow the local economy,” said Jeff Babinski, vice president and general manager of Lumière Place. “Lumière Place is proud to join our sister property River City Casino and the other businesses that have pledged to make the Billion Dollar Impact a significant business priority for the next several years.”  

Businesses can still sign a pledge to participate in the Billion Dollar Impact, a bipartisan initiative. Forms are available at www.stlouismsdc.org or by calling the St. Louis MSDC at (314) 241-1143.

About St. Louis MSDC:
The St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) is one of 37 regional councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council.  During St. Louis MSDC’s 39-year history, the organization has remained at the heart of the St. Louis region’s economic growth.  What started as a focus on partnering minority-owned businesses with area corporations has evolved into a long-term, strategic approach – one in which St. Louis MSDC provides ongoing growth opportunities, financial support, and training and education for its corporate members and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). Through these and other efforts, St. Louis MSDC’s partnerships with corporations and MBEs have become an integral part of the region’s economic stability and growth.