Port of Seattle Named Government of the Year by Minority Business Council

The Port of Seattle received The Northwest Minority Business Council's Government Agency of the Year Award for 2007 at Council's Annual Summit Awards Gala on Friday, Feb. 9.

"This is a tremendous honor," said Port of Seattle Commissioner Bob Edwards, who accepted the award on behalf of the Port. "Four years ago we set a goal of awarding 10 percent of all Port contracts to local small businesses owned by disadvantaged business enterprises. Today, we're very close to achieving that goal and we have 551 small businesses on our roster."

Government Agency of the Year is the highest award presented by the Northwest Minority Business Council (NMBC). It is presented annually to an agency that has consistently demonstrated a commitment to minority purchasing, technical and managerial assistance, and/or sponsorship of minority programs.

The Port also was recognized with a Pioneer Award, which honors members that have been part of the council for 10 or more years. The Port of Seattle has participated in the Council for 15 years.