DFW International Airport Wins Greater Dallas Chamber Momentum Award

Small & Emerging Business Department Receives Award Of Merit As A “Community Investor”

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (June 5, 2003) - The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s Small & Emerging Business Department (SEBD) received an Award of Merit as a “community investor” from the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce for its leadership in ensuring that minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) participate in economic opportunities at the Airport. The Airport’s award comes in the Chamber’s inaugural year of the awards.

"Minority and women-owned businesses are a growing part of our region's economy," said Tom Leppert, chairman of the Greater Dallas Chamber. "DFW Airport has recognized this fact with its excellent outreach program for the state's largest construction project, building the new International terminal. The Airport defines community investment in Dallas-Fort Worth."

More than 300 M/WBE firms currently do business at the Airport, in areas ranging from construction and professional services to procurement and concessions. These numbers are greater than any other public entity in North Texas, and make DFW a national leader.

Even in troubling economic times and unprecedented distress in the airline industry, DFW Airport, considered the economic engine of North Texas, has delivered on its commitment to minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs).

In 2002, the Airport awarded a record $118 million in construction contracts for the Capital Development Program (CDP) and achieved 32 percent M/WBE participation. The CDP is the largest construction project in Texas and the largest in the history of the Airport and includes the new International Terminal D and SkyLink, the automated people mover system.

“While the current economy remains soft and uncertain, the Airport, SEBD, and most importantly, its M/WBE constituents will continue to survive and thrive,” says Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW Airport.

The Momentum Awards established this year by the Greater Dallas Chamber are aimed to recognize North Texas businesses that are making a different future for North Texas.

DFW continues to explore and implement new and innovative approaches to gain even greater participation of M/WBE firms in the Airport’s contracting opportunities.

“The SEBD has a strong commitment to assist smaller M/WBE firms with their business plans to successfully connect to Airport work,” says Don O’Bannon, vice president of SEBD.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the “MediaSite” section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com