The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Denver International Airport in Colorado, USA, as the winner of the 2015 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advocate and Partner Award.
The award recognizes the airport’s efforts in promoting opportunities for small businesses and certified minority-owned firms in concessions, construction and professional services.
Michael B Hancock, mayor of Denver, said, “Denver is building a global economy and Denver International Airport is linking us with the world. We have set a high standard for how we conduct business at the city, and this prestigious recognition by our partners at the FAA shows that we are answering the call for inclusivity among business opportunities at the airport.”
Ken Greene, chief operating officer for Denver International Airport, said, “We are extremely thankful to our partners at the FAA for recognizing our ongoing commitment to ensuring that local, small and minority-owned businesses have access to meaningful opportunities at the airport. Our close partnership with the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO) has led to an increase in disadvantaged business participation in our construction projects and our concessions and professional services programs.”
Since 2006, the airport has helped grow the percentage of concessions revenue earned by certified firms from approximately 27% (US$52m) in the financial year 2005-2006, to 39% (US$130m) in 2013-2014. It has also increased the percentage of payments for construction work from approximately 20% (US$8.6m) in 2009 to 25% (US$72.5m) in 2014, and payments for professional services from 3.5% (US$97,000) in 2009, to 30% (US$9.7m) in 2014.