ATLANTA, GA (November 2, 2024) — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is pleased to announce a landmark partnership between the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU was signed Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Georgia World Congress Center during the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. This partnership signifies a collaborative commitment to empower minority-owned businesses within the aviation industry and beyond.
This strategic partnership aligns with both organizations’ missions to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering economic growth and competitiveness for minority business enterprises (MBEs). Under this agreement, AMAC and MBDA will collaborate on initiatives designed to enhance access to business opportunities, including hosting events and educational programs that equip MBEs with tools to succeed in the aviation sector.
“This partnership with AMAC and MBDA exemplifies former Mayor Maynard H. Jackson Jr.’s legacy of economic inclusion and creating a diverse, dynamic community that fuels the success of minority-owned businesses in ATL,” said Interim General Manager Jan Lennon. “Building on this foundation, current Mayor Andre Dickens envisions an Atlanta, and an airport, where innovation and opportunity thrive for all, ensuring that every entrepreneur has the support and resources needed to succeed.”
“AMAC and MBDA are united in our commitment to empowering minority-owned businesses, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth,” said AMAC President Eboni Wimbush. “Together, we will create pathways to opportunity by reducing barriers, enhancing access to capital, and creating a vibrant ecosystem where diverse entrepreneurs can flourish and drive economic growth. Partnering with our airport members like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is essential for collaboration and achieving our shared goals that drive success for minority-owned businesses.”
Through this MOU, AMAC and MBDA will promote economic equity and foster innovation in minority-owned businesses by facilitating introductions to resources, supporting industry events, and leveraging national networks to amplify business opportunities within the aviation industry.
The MOU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including:
- Hosting national and regional events that bring together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to discuss diversity in the aviation industry.
- Providing technical assistance and networking opportunities for MBEs.
- Promoting awareness of each organization’s programs and resources to expand their national reach.
This partnership represents a milestone in ATL’s ongoing initiatives to support diverse business ecosystems, enhance economic growth, and uphold the values of equity and inclusion across all aspects of its enterprise.
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
ATL is the first airport in history to serve more than 100 million passengers in one year and continues to top passenger totals worldwide. The Airport boasts an annual direct economic impact of $66 billion in the state. A frequent recipient of awards of excellence, ATL is recognized for its leadership in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. For more information, visit www.atl.com.
Media Contact:
Office of Corporate Communications and Media Affairs
(678) 920-0857
media@atl.com
About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
Ramon Lo, AMAC
rlo@amac-org.com