Mineola, NY- Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos introduced the first Minority or Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Advisory Committee at a press conference today. The 19 member committee consists of business owners, chamber of commerce members, NAACP members, attorneys and civic leaders from across Nassau County. The group’s mission is to assist the County in doubling the participation of minority owned businesses in the contracting process from the current level of under 8%.
“Nassau County needs greater affirmative efforts to increase MWBE participation,” Comptroller Maragos said. “This advisory committee will assist the Comptroller’s Office in monitoring the County’s compliance with MWBE goals, encourage more minority firms to participate in County contract opportunities and advocate for MWBE firms that alleged to have been discriminated against.”
An October 9th 2002 law passed by the Nassau County Legislature “required all contractors to use best efforts to achieve participation in subcontracting by minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises in accordance with the percentages set by the Director.” A review by the Comptroller’s Office found that under 8% of contract spending goes to MWBE firms. The County’s aspirational goal is currently 16%.
“The Comptroller’s Office will exert its authority to assist the County to meet and exceed its aspirational goals for MWBE contracting,” Comptroller Maragos added. “We believe, that working proactively and transparently with community representatives is the best way to increase MWBE participation.”
The MWBE Advisory Committee is expected to meet monthly to be briefed on Contract opportunities for MWBE firms, review MWBE contract awards, recommend audits of vendors falling short of their MWBE commitments or unfairly denying opportunities to minority businesses, and help track the County’s MWBE performance.
Please visit our website for more information on the MWBE Advisory Committee.Connect with Nassau County Comptroller Maragos Online:
