Today’s Business First includes an insightful and inspiring op-ed by GLI member Michael White, President and CEO of America’s Finest Filters. In it, he discusses the
importance of economic inclusion to economic growth, noting:
“Economic inclusion is defined as an attitude where all
businesses are embraced and afforded every opportunity to participate in the
American mainstream and global marketplace. Strengthening communities by
reaching out to diverse business owners can yield results never before seen in
the economic fabric of communities. Additionally, supplier diversity
initiatives with public- and private-sector organizations have become a
legitimate growth industry in our country, state and community.”
White goes on to discuss some of the ways GLI is working on
inclusion not only externally for the community, but internally for the
organization. And most importantly, he offers a call to action for minority-
and women-owned businesses to get engaged:
“Greater Louisville Inc… is working hard to ensure that
economic inclusion is not only a term, but a growing part of its organizational
strategy. The chamber is committed to helping all businesses, in all parts of
the community, participate in our regional economy. This includes helping all
companies understand GLI’s relevance and the opportunities and benefits that
membership affords. Further, GLI supports economic growth through an impressive
range of programs and services designed to help businesses of all types and
sizes reach their fullest potential.
“Uniquely situated to help, GLI has the leverage to bring
minority- and women-owned businesses into community and regional dialogue on
vital business policy matters and the ability to address their needs with
resources and programs… But the only way GLI can be sure it is adequately
supporting our community’s minority and women-owned businesses is for those
business owners to let chamber officials know their needs, participate in
programming and activities, both locally and regionally, and get involved.”
To read the complete op-ed, click here.