Florida Elite SDVOB Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 10, 2008

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE (850) 488-5394

Office Of Supplier Diversity Opens Doors for Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises

~ Florida Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity Act expands state’s classifications for certification~

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced that the Department of Management Services Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) is adding service-disabled veterans to the groups of minority business owners it assists. Governor Crist signed House Bill 687 in June to create the Florida Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity Act and put into law a preference in state contracting for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. OSD provides business development and certification for minority- and women-owned businesses.

“Florida is proud to give back to the men and women in the Armed Forces who serve our great country,” said Governor Crist. “Their sacrifices are immeasurable, and by helping service-disabled veterans in Florida rebuild their lives, we show them we are behind them 100 percent.”

The law takes effect Veterans Day, November 11, 2008. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) and the Department of Management Services will work together to implement the preference.