A Letter from President Bruininks

To: Chancellors, Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors and Department Heads

In November 1996, the Board of Regents adopted a policy governing University purchases from businesses owned and operated by underrepresented minorities, women, and disabled persons (targeted businesses).  This policy reaffirmed that the University should act aggressively both to promote the utilization of these targeted businesses and to prevent discriminatory practices against such firms. Central to the implementation of this policy was the creation of the Office for Business and Community Economic Development (OBCED).  One responsibility of OBCED is to manage the University's Targeted Business Program and to provide the necessary vision and leadership to ensure its overall success.

I am pleased to inform you that the University's expenditures with targeted businesses have risen significantly over the past ten years. Still, it is important to remain vigilant and be proactive to insure that we create even greater opportunities for target businesses in the future. I support this policy and am fully committed to the spirit and purpose for which this policy was created.  It is our responsibility as an urban, land grant institution to play an active role in supporting the economic empowerment of diverse businesses and communities.  Therefore, I am asking each of you to renew your commitment to this policy and to support the efforts of OBCED director Craig Taylor and his staff so they may continue to successfully implement the goals and objectives of this program throughout the University. Over the next several months the OBCED, in partnership with Purchasing Services, will implement several new strategies in support of this effort, including conducting workshops for departments and end users on buying from targeted businesses.  They will implement an economic incentive and staff recognition program to reward departments and staff for the number of business opportunities they provide to targeted firms.  If you need further information regarding the University's Targeted Business Program, please contact Craig Taylor at taylo103@umn.edu or 612-626-9151. Further information is also available at http://www.bced.umn.edu or Regents Policy Targeted Business, Urban Community Economic Development, and Small Business Programs.  I look forward to our continued success in this area.  Thank you for your support and cooperation. Sincerely, Robert H. Bruininks President