Minority-owned companies in Central Florida have been awarded more than $73 million in contracts for work on the new Orlando Events Center, according to a report released by the Orlando Magic.
The Orlando Magic is the developer of the new downtown Events Center which will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows. Opening in fall 2010, the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida Community.
The Orlando Events Center, in partnership with the BLUEPRINT initiative, also announced an additional contractor Job Incentive Program.
Under the new program, Orlando Events Center’ contractors will receive a Job Incentive Credit of $2 per hour for hiring through the City’s BLUEPRINT Workforce Development Program. This program identifies workers within the geographic area of the downtown venues and local residents.
“Along with our Minority and Women Business Enterprise participation, this is yet another initiative to contribute to the hiring of new workers in the surrounding area of the Events Center,” said Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins. “This effort supports the City’s Blueprint strategy to make a significant positive impact on the local community.”
To date, 32 percent of the work has gone to local Minority and Women Business Enterprises. More than $228 million in contracts have been awarded for design and construction of the Orlando Events Center. Of that amount, more than $60.5 million, or 26.5 percent, has gone to minority-owned firms. Another $12.8 million, or 5.6 percent of the total, has gone to women-owned businesses.
Under the Venues BLUEPRINT initiative, major contractors for each segment of the project are required to partner with minority- and women-owned companies. Overall, 18 percent of the work must go to firms owned by minorities, 6 percent to those owned by women.
In total, there are more than 100 minority and women-owned firms under contract. Among the total are 35 African-American owned companies, 24 Hispanic-American owned companies, 17 Asian-American companies and 32 women-owned companies.
In regard to local participation figures, to date 126 companies have been awarded 153 contracts for work on the Orlando Events Center. Of those 126 companies, 98 have offices in Central Florida (Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia, Polk counties). Just 11 are from out-of-state.
“From the outset of the community venues process, we have stated that a new Events Center would be a driver of economic development and opportunity for local citizens and businesses,” said Martins. “The Orlando Magic recognizes the importance and long-term benefits of utilizing local Minority Business and Women Business Enterprises in the development of the Events Center.”
