A few days before the nation celebrated Labor Day, dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council released their 2016 Annual Report.
The publication features their Minority Business Enterprise and corporate member statistics, success stories and event highlights of the past year. It provides a wide-ranging view of the economic and social impact of EMSDC’s work, as they continue to certify, develop, connect and advocate on behalf of their constituents.
“The success of MBEs is crucial to the overall economy, and to building healthy, self-sufficient communities. At EMSDC we look to support their efforts by assisting MBEs in our region to align with the contracting needs of corporations, and break into new markets; while connecting corporations with MBEs that can expertly fulfill their outsourced needs,” said Valerie Cofield, EMSDC President and CEO.
In the midst of Labor Day celebrants were eight million minority-owned businesses in the U.S. that contribute $1.4 trillion in economic output, and create over 7.2 million jobs, representing 29 percent of all firms in the U.S., according to statistics from the State of Minority Business Enterprises report by the Minority Business Development Agency.
Two legendary entrepreneurs, Milton A. Washington and Reginald L. Lewis, have paved the way and contributed to MBE statistics, and continue to set records and lead by example. Washington, Pittsburgh business leader and philanthropist, passed away in October 2016. He was CEO of Allegheny Housing Rehabilitation Corporation. Lewis, based in New York, was the first African American to build a billion-dollar company as the owner of TLC Beatrice International Foods. He passed away in 1993. The two were recently represented by their daughters, Lara Washington and Christina Lewis Halpern, during the EMSDC Youth Entrepreneur Scholarship Golf Outing.
AHRCO is a real estate company based in East Liberty that’s committed to the strategic development and effective management of affordable housing in Western Pennsylvania. The company employs 70 people and manages 1,700 rental units, serving communities throughout Rankin, Braddock, West Mifflin, Homewood, Oakland, the Hill District, and the North Side. Lara Washington is the second generation to lead the business. Continuing her father’s legacy, she is on the board of directors of The Buhl Foundation, Vibrant Pittsburgh, Landmarks Development Corporation and the Allegheny Conference. She has a B.A. in Economics from Brown University and an M.B.A. and Master of Education from Stanford University.
Halpern is a member of the board of the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation established by her father.
Considered a social entrepreneur, Halpern is the founder and executive director of All Star Code, a nationally-recognized tech inclusion organization based in New York that fosters entrepreneurial talent among high school males of color ensuring that they have tools to success. All Star Code has a chapter in Pittsburgh under the direction of Sean Gray.
With great admiration for her father who passed away when she was 12 years old, Halpern said, “My father always wanted to be a lawyer, was one of the first Blacks admitted into Harvard Law School, was the first Black-owned law firm on Wall Street and was one of the first African Americans to break into the big leagues of finance.”
As the owner of Beatrice International Foods, she said he was one of the top Americans in industry. “He believed in investing in others and was all about economics and social justice,” she said. A man who believed in hard work determination and drive, Halpern said her father’s philosophy was to do your homework and follow through.
Washington said she remembers her father having three traits that helped him in business. “He was very optimistic, very tough and sought out mentors.”
Robert James, supplier diversity program manager of Highmark Health and Chairperson of the Youth Entrepreneur Scholarship Tournament, said the golf outing was a great opportunity for top MBE suppliers of the region and top corporations to come together for a good cause. “We are proud to honor the legacy of Mr. Washington and happy to support All Star Code.”
He also addressed the significance of the Instructional Clinic given by PGA Professional Anthony G. Stepney. Participants learned how golf can be used as a business tool and the rules of the game. Attendees spent the afternoon learning to putt, pitch, and drive and went from the clinic straight to the greens.
Stepney, a 10-year member of the PGA, said his focus is diversity and inclusion in the game and business of golf. “The game of golf has a great economic impact. It is bigger than most spectator sports,” he said.
The 2016 EMSDC Report indicated that during the year, EMSDC certified 109 new MBEs, bringing their network of certified diverse businesses to 482 MBEs. And as last year, EMSDC-certified MBEs account for over 15,175 jobs, have an average annual revenue of nearly $8 million, and a collective annual revenue of over $3.5 billion.
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