PHILADELPHIA – Peter Speaks, a Department of General Services deputy secretary and special advisor to the Governor for Minority, Women-Owned and Disadvantaged Business Development, was presented with the “Shining Star Award” by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council PA-DE-sNJ for his commitment and leadership in support of women-owned business enterprises.
“Through Peter’s tireless efforts, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania is opening the doors of opportunity for women business enterprises across all state agencies,” said Geri Swift, president, Women’s Business Development Center, Women’s Business Enterprise Council of PA-DE-sNJ. “Peter is our champion for change and we appreciate his dedication and commitment.”
The Shining Star Award was part of the fifth annual awards luncheon program held today at the Marriott Courtyard Downtown Philadelphia.
The Shining Star Award acknowledges an individual who has been instrumental in the successful development of the WBEC PA-DE-sNJ and whose commitment to supplier diversity initiatives have enhanced business opportunities for certified women’s business enterprises.
“Governor Rendell’s 2004 executive order clearly was the impetus and cornerstone for many of the reforms in women-owned business development that we enjoy today,” said Speaks. “While these reforms have resulted in significant contracting opportunities for women and other disadvantaged businesses, we will continue to work hard to provide greater equality for women entrepreneurs and to develop continued opportunities and resources in order to foster growth and success.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be chosen to receive the Shining Star Award and graciously accept this on behalf of Governor Edward Rendell, DGS Secretary James Creedon, the Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities, and the entire Department of General Services.”
In April 2004, Gov. Edward G. Rendell issued an executive order transforming the commonwealth’s approach to minority- and women-owned business development. The executive order requires that all 42 agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction maximize supplier diversity opportunities in the procurement of goods, services and construction.
“In January 2003, less than two percent of Pennsylvania’s procurement dollars went to women- or minority-run firms,” said Speaks. “Today, we’ve more than quadrupled that number, as this figure has now reached 10 percent. We’ve come a long way, but there is still room for improvement.”
The Women’s Business Enterprise Council is a marketing, procurement and certification assistance council for nationally certified women’s business enterprises. The council provides women’s business enterprise certification, educational, networking, procurement-related, and informational programs and services that foster growth and business opportunities between WBEs and purchasing entities including major corporations and government agencies in Pennsylvania, Delaware and southern New Jersey.