| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 18, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
Councilmember Craig Supports Veteran-Owned Businesses
(Columbus)--It has been a little more than a month since announcing the creation of the Veterans Affairs Committee for Columbus City Council and already the chair of the committee, Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, is proposing a significant change to the Columbus City Code that will assist veteran-owned businesses compete for city contracts. Craig, a Vietnam era U.S. Army veteran himself, says the legislation will add veteran-owned businesses to those enterprises certified and tracked by the Equal Business Opportunity Commission Office (EBOCO).
The change, announced at the annual Veteran’s Stand Down event held at Veteran’s Memorial, will allow those businesses to better compete for city contracts in the same manner as minority or female owned businesses currently participate in the bid process. The change also provides veteran-owned businesses with bid counseling and start-up assistance from EBOCO.
“By increasing our services for veteran-owned businesses, the City of Columbus once again is demonstrating its commitment to helping those who protected the very freedoms we enjoy as Americans,” said Craig. “This is a business friendly initiative that will help position these firms to expand their opportunities to do work for the city.”
Craig has also committed to exploring the feasibility of awarding credits against cost for bids submitted by certified veteran-owned businesses. This policy would mirror existing credits for local workforce and local businesses.
Columbus City Council recently passed ordinance 1325-2011, legislation that extends for another year military leave with pay to City employees currently serving on active duty, including the health and life insurance benefits for their family members. City Council also supports the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Committee and takes part in numerous activities thought the year supporting our servicemen and women.
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