AMAC Statement on the Mid-America Milling Company v. U.S. Department of Transportation Case | |
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The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) issued the following statement on the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky's issued opinion in the case filed against the U.S. Department of Transportation by Mid-America Milling Company, LLC and Bagshaw Trucking, Inc.
"The Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued a narrow preliminary injunction suspending the use of race and gender in the case filed by Mid-America Milling Company, LLC, and Bagshaw Trucking, Inc. against the U.S. Department of Transportation. While the ruling only applies to the two firms that filed the suit and the contracts they bid on, it raises significant concerns regarding the impact on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program nationally.
The DBE program is designed to remedy ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination against minorities and women. DBEs have earned almost $34 billion through federal transportation contracts in the past five budget years, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
As we know, our airport members serve as dynamic hubs that provide essential transportation services, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to the prosperity of local communities and the broader national economy. A critical part of the ecosystem is minority and women-owned businesses that support infrastructure growth and accelerate local economic development and American global competitiveness.
The implications of this ruling warrant careful consideration, as it could have lasting effects on the viability of the DBE program and the broader goal of fostering equitable economic opportunities for all businesses.
AMAC will continue to relentlessly pursue our mission of advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. The AMAC Government Affairs Committee has updated its operating model to focus on a strategy that focuses on education, advocacy, activation, and strategic partnerships.
We call on CEOs in the aerospace and aviation industries to maintain and expand their diversity initiatives. As we face challenges, it is imperative that we advance policies and practices that ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. Together, we are building a legacy of inclusivity and strength that will benefit future generations."
—Eboni Wimbush, Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President & CEO, and Ricky Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors; CEO, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
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AMAC Moderates Delta Air Lines "Taking Flight: The Power of Supplier Diversity and Partnerships" Session at the 53rd Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference | |
On September 12, 2024, AMAC President & CEO Eboni Wimbush moderated a fireside chat on the transformative impact of achievements by building an inclusive supply chain. Participants discovered the story behind Delta’s partnership with Brown Estate Napa Valley and the inspiring rise of Chris Gaither, an Atlanta-born Morehouse graduate with the distinction of being one of four Black Master Sommeliers globally. Chris shared an elevated lesson in wine selection and curation during this exclusive experience. | |
AMAC Joins the 5th Annual Baton Rouge Meets Washington, DC Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Event | |
On September 12, 2024, AMAC Foundation Board Director and Baton Rouge, LA Council Member Cleve Dunn Jr. curated the 5th annual "Baton Rouge Meets Washington DC" Congressional Black Caucus event—a unique blend of Louisiana's flavor with the political pulse of the nation's capital. AMAC President & CEO Eboni Wimbush, AMAC member Heather Barry of SSP America, and Dunn participated in the Aviation, Airport Development, ACDBE & Airport Concessions panel. Participants were immersed in an evening of dialogue, networking and entertainment! | |
AMAC Exhibits at the Texas Southern University Fall Tiger Career Fair | |
On September 25, 2024, AMAC Program Support Specialist Hadiya Culbreath exhibited at the Fall Tiger Career Fair, connecting with over 75 employers from all industries to meet and recruit students from Texas Southern University. These employers featured internships and part-time and full-time employment opportunities available to students and recent graduates of all majors. Hadiya shared information about the AMAC National Office, AMAC Foundation, and the AMAC Builds Careers Internship program. | |
Seeking Interested Members! AMAC Government Affairs Committee | |
The AMAC Government Affairs Committee monitors, recommends, prepares and presents AMAC’s position on legislative and policy matters about federal, state and local government. This committee establishes AMAC’s legislative agenda and plans AMAC’s annual congressional meetings in Washington, DC. To join this committee, please complete this form. | |
Responses Requested! AMAC Supplier Diversity Data Initiative | |
AMAC established a working AMAC Supplier Diversity Subcommittee to help explore and formalize several initiatives, including a Supplier Diversity Institute or University, collaborations with trade organizations and national brands, production of an AMAC Shark Tank Competition and building a supplier diversity database. If you are a supplier, please complete this form to enter your information into the developing supplier diversity database. | |
Responses Requested! ACRP 06-09: Equitable Workforce Outcomes: A Study of Women and Minority Representation at Airports | |
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AMAC is leading the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Project No. 06-09 “Equitable Workforce Outcomes: A Study of Women and Minority Representation at Airports.” This research project aims to identify and evaluate the current state of women and minority representation among direct employees of U.S. airports. The research also intends to use the information collected to develop resources and tools to address potential issues identified, including, but not limited to, recruitment, retention, promotion and wage disparity. We are seeking engagement from airport administrators and direct employees of airports at every level across the organization to participate in a survey and possibly follow-up focus groups.
If you are interested in helping the research team obtain the information to achieve the overall objectives of this vital research project, please complete the interest form. All information obtained in the research will not be reported individually but in aggregate.
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FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 Briefing | |
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Airports invited AMAC to an industry stakeholders briefing to discuss important updates and insights explicitly related to the Office of Airports and the implementation of the recently passed FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. | |
Now Available: 2023 AMAC Annual Report | |
In 2023, we were laser-focused on positioning AMAC at the forefront of diversity, equity and inclusion-related discussions and as the source to influence policy and affect positive change to create economic equity, access and wealth for minorities and women in the aviation and aerospace industries. Thank you to the Board of Directors, Chapter Officers, Committee Leaders, Corporate Partners, Sponsors, Volunteers and National Office team for your service and commitment. Your unwavering support and active involvement are invaluable and have been instrumental in our success. Read the 2023 AMAC Annual Report. | |
AMAC Members: Post RFPS/Jobs to the AMAC Opportunity Center | |
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View these Opportunities and More in the AMAC Opportunity Center! | | | |
Senator Warnock Addresses AMAC Members During Historic Induction of Atlanta Board | |
In a historic ceremony, the AMAC Atlanta Chapter inducted its founding board, honoring the legacy of former Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. and committing to carrying forth his vision. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock delivered an inspiring keynote address - celebrating Jackson’s pioneering inclusion initiatives but also highlighting the recent FAA Reauthorization bill in which his provision safeguards Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from state control. Hosted by Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee Chair Byron Amos and Vice Chair Marci Collier Overstreet, the event began with a procession of the officers led by the Fulton County Honor Guard. It included a powerful performance of both the National and African American Anthems. The Honorable Fulton County Probate Judge Kenya Johnson administered the AMAC Board of Directors oath. | |
AMAC Los Angeles Chapter Aviation Excellence Summit & Awards | |
Step into the dazzling spotlight of aviation excellence at Southern California's premier aviation event of the year! Join AMAC LA for a star-studded gathering of industry leaders and diverse businesses as we celebrate the achievements and innovations that propel us forward. Featuring a round table of Southern California aviation CEOs, don't miss out on the chance to network with the best, be inspired by top innovators, and recognize the golden contributions that make our industry soar. Mark your calendar for a truly sparkling experience—this is the one event you won't want to miss! Register here. | |
Los Angeles World Airports, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, and Delta Air Lines Celebrate Local, Minority-Owned Business Participation Milestone at LAX Terminal 3 | |
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports and Delta Air Lines, celebrated the local and minority businesses powering the latest dining and retail offering at the new Terminal 3 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This milestone was featured in Forbes and reflects LAWA and URW’s commitment to diverse, inclusive airport concessions and raises the bar on local, minority, and female-owned business participation at LAX by including 22 minority business owners who are working together to deliver the best guest experience for Delta’s customers. The new program is expected to achieve Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation of 43% for food and beverage and 36% for retail, outperforming the 25% and 20% project goals. | |
Protein Bar & Kitchen Opens Multiple Airport Locations | |
The better-for-you, fast-casual restaurant brand Protein Bar & Kitchen is soaring into airports nationwide, growing brand awareness and elevating consumers’ options. Protein Bar & Kitchen is now open and operating in Salt Lake City International, Chicago O’Hare, and New York LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C, with plans to open another location in the Boise, Idaho airport in 2025. In airports where convenience is key, Protein Bar & Kitchen has coupled convenience with a healthier option for consumers and has taken airport locations by storm. In two years, Protein Bar & Kitchen has opened three airport locations, vastly expanding its footprint. As pioneers in the fast-casual, better-for-you space, Protein Bar & Kitchen continues to meet these guidelines and remain at the forefront of protein-packed culinary innovation. The brand has developed its menu with 15+ protein options for everybody and a set of rotating flavors and ingredients across all dayparts to keep the menu fresh and exciting. | |
Theodora Oyie AMAC Los Angeles Vice President of Corporate Relations Honored at the LAX Coastal Chamber City of Angels Gala | |
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We are excited to highlight the achievements and contributions of our board members as they continue to make waves in their respective fields. This month, we proudly celebrate our Vice President of Corporate Relations, Theodora Oyie, for her incredible milestone of 5 years in business! She was recognized at the LAX Coastal Chamber's prestigious City of Angels Gala on September 11, an event that celebrates the accomplishments of its members and the vibrant industries of LA tourism, sports, and entertainment.
Theodora's recognition is a testament to her remarkable work and dedication to the local community and industry. With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, she brings invaluable expertise in procurement, business development, and community outreach. Her strong command of workforce participation, prevailing wage compliance, and her knack for building lasting client relationships make her a true powerhouse on our board.
As the CEO of Mindful Integration of Construction Services, Theodora's mission is to connect community residents and diverse businesses with employment opportunities, fostering economic growth through strategic partnerships. Her leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion make a lasting impact, and we are thrilled to have her on our team.
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AMAC Foundation Events Recap: Topgolf, Project LIFT & Celebrating Women in Aviation Breakfast | |
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Biden-Harris Administration Commits $290 Million for New Runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The FAA committed $290 million in Airport Improvement Program funding to Charlotte Douglas International Airport to assist with developing its new fourth runway.
READ MORE
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Fall 2024 DBE/ACDBE Guidance
The FAA released new DBE/ACDBE on September 27, 2024.
READ MORE
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BIL Program Update
The FAA Office of Airports will host a webinar on October 21, 2024, to provide an overall Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grant program update, recapping an exciting year and previewing things to come.
REGISTER HERE
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Final Session of the Making Good on the Potential of BIL Thought Leadership Series
On October 22, 2024, the panel session will explore best practices in project scheduling, community engagement, sustainability, NEPA streamlining and more.
REGISTER HERE
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2nd Annual Small Business Summit: Accelerating Veteran Small Business Success at USDOT
In honor of Veteran’s Day, on November 14, 2024, USDOT will celebrate and recognize our veterans and their service to this great nation with a day-long event focused on small business opportunities, access to capital and networking.
REGISTER HERE
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