<p>The St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council (St. Louis MSDC) announced a landmark program to foster partnerships between corporations and minority and non-minority businesses across the St. Louis region.  The Billion Dollar Impact is designed to create jobs, expand local businesses, grow the tax base and position St. Louis, the region and the state of Missouri as leaders in economic growth.</p>
<p>"The St. Louis region is launching a unique program today that is dedicated to building business partnerships between corporate and minority businesses," Mayor Francis Slay said.  "We believe programs like the Billion Dollar Impact will serve as a catalyst to foster gro wth in the business community in St. Louis and around the region."</p>
<p>Corporations such as Ameren Corporation, BJC Healthcare, The Boeing Company, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Missouri Department of Transportation, State of Missouri and Walgreens have announced their support for this bipartisan initiative. Businesses are encouraged to sign a pledge to participate in the Billion Dollar Impact program. Forms are available at the Business Opportunity Fair or by calling the St. Louis MSDC at (314) 241-1143. Forms also will be available at www.slmbc.org after July 1.</p>
<p>The St. Louis MSDC helps minority-owned businesses and corporations compete in the ever-changing global marketplace.  The Billion Dollar Impact is a unique program developed by the St. Louis MSDC with the goal of generating an additional one billion dollars in new revenue for minority business enterprises.  Additional spending at this level is expected to create an estimated 2,000 new jobs for the region.</p>
<p>"St. Louis already has strong partnerships among members of our business community. The Billion Dollar Impact provides an opportunity for companies to create relationships with minority businesses that benefit our entire community," said James Webb, President &amp; CEO of the St. Louis MSDC.  "This program challenges and encourages St. Louis' ongoing commitment to economic growth."</p>
<p>During the next three years, the St. Louis MSDC will work with both the public and private sectors to develop additional contract opportunities throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area.  "By using minority vendors on contracts, corporations demonstrate their support for sustainable vendor relationships that will not only strengthen the business objectives of the corporation, but will greatly benefit our community," Webb added.</p>
<p>"The St. Louis community has existing minority vendors to assist with corporate growth strategies," saidDavid Stephens, Director of Operations at the St. Louis MSDC. "The St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council is proud to match corporations with local minority business enterprises."</p>
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