The Port Strengthens its Economic Inclusion Efforts

September 16, 2020

Development Authority to Hire its First Economic Equity Leader

Cincinnati, OH, September 16, 2020 – The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (The Port) announced today it is bolstering its economic equity strategy by launching a nationwide search for its first vice president of economic equity.

The vice president of economic equity will place an emphasis on strengthening partner and community relationships, deepening diverse, regional connections, and forming new, strategic partnerships to help eliminate cultural blind spots, which are barriers to the equitable distribution of economic growth and prosperity.

The new leadership role will bring the dedicated focus needed to ensure economic inclusion continues to remain at the heart of everything the Port does. Laura N. Brunner, President and CEO of the Port, said the Port is committed to representing and serving the entirety of the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

“

"Economic equity and inclusion have been central values and business imperatives since our founding in 2001. And yet, we can and must do better,” said Brunner. “Economic equity means economic justice - providing the opportunity for all segments of our population to share in the growth of our city and county,” Brunner added.

A key component of The Port’s long-standing economic inclusion strategy is to provide match-making opportunities for majority-owned firms with minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE) and small business enterprises (SBEs). The Port also helps businesses better understand the benefits of economic inclusion when contracting work.

“

“It’s very encouraging and I’m very happy to see the Port underscore and increase its commitment to equity and inclusion,” said Eric H. Kearney, President and CEO of The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to working closely with the new vice president of economic equity to increase opportunities for minority firms to work with the Port and with the developers of the Port’s projects,” Kearney continued.

“

“Hamilton County Commissioners have been breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion so that diverse talents from every part of our community can participate in better outcomes,” said Commission President Denise Driehaus. “I applaud The Port for focusing on this important initiative.”

The Port will continue working closely with area organizations and programs to foster partnership agreements between majority-owned businesses and MBEs, WBEs and SBEs. The list of organizations The Port will continue to work closely with includes:

  • The Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) at the Cincinnati USA Chamber
  • The Ohio Minority Supplier Diversity Council (OMSDC)
  • The Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce
  • The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
  • The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

About The Port:

The Port was formed in 2001 to stimulate growth of the regional economy. Partnering with the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, the Port works to redevelop manufacturing and residential communities to build the foundation of job creation and livable, viable communities where residents can experience economic prosperity. For additional information, please visit http://cincinnatiport.org.

 

Visit our social media channels:

Twitter: @CincinnatiPort

Instagram: @cincinnati_port

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CincinnatiPort/, @CincinnatiPort

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/port-of-greater-cincinnati-development-authority/

 

Media Contact:

Tom Millikin

Vice President of Communications and Marketing, The Port

(513) 632-3835

tmillikin@cincinnatiport.org

 

###