Minority Business Procurement

The number of contracts awarded to women and minority-owned businesses continues to increase, with over $8.7 million dollars completed in the last four years with places like Blue Grass Airport, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., Thomas & King, and the University of Kentucky. Commerce Lexington Inc. and the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County helped get the pilot program off the ground for Thomas & King. By the time the relationship was completed, minority businesses had worked on and completed three Thomas & King restaurants in Lexington, including the new Applebee’s concept store on Richmond Road. The average minority participation on the three projects was 39-percent. Additional procurement opportunities have come from Kentucky State Government and Fayette County Public Schools. Commerce Lexington Inc. also alerts minority businesses by e-mail and phone calls about bids and other opportunities that are available.