AMAC Statement on DOT’s Interim Final Rule (September 30, 2025)

Statement from Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC), on DOT’s Interim Final Rule (September 30, 2025)  “The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Interim Final Rule (IFR) marks the most significant change to the DBE and ACDBE programs in more than four decades. These programs have long served as a gateway for minority- and women-owned businesses to access airport opportunities. The removal of the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage based on race and gender fundamentally … Read More

AMAC FAQs — Navigating the DOT Interim Final Rule (September 30, 2025)

Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Members Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Navigating the DOT Interim Final Rule   Introduction On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that fundamentally changes the operation of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs. This IFR was published in the Federal Register and became effective October 3, 2025.   For more than four decades, the DBE and subsequently, the ACDBE programs … Read More

Archives: AMAC Connections Newsletters

2025 September 2025 May–August 2025 April 2025 March 2025 January & February 2025 2024 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024

Recap: 2nd Annual AMAC She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit

The 2nd Annual She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit, held September 18–19, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Airport Gateway, offered a richly layered program designed to empower women across the aviation sector. Over the course of two dynamic days, nearly 400 participants immersed themselves in energizing breakfasts, a compelling keynote address focused on choosing self-confidence & finding your superpower, and hands-on sessions such as She Sets the Agenda, Designing Your Career Journey with Purpose and You’ve Got the Mic! Real Talk with Aviation Executives. Movement … Read More

AMAC Submits Letter for Record – House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure Holds Hearing on Expanding Opportunities for Small Business Contractors

On September 10, 2025, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure held the hearing titled “Leveling the Playing Field: Fostering Opportunities for Small Business Contractors.”  On September 11, 2025, AMAC sent a letter to the committee, highlighting the importance of preserving the DBE program and its role in advancing three vital national interests: economic growth, equity and fairness, and innovation and resilience. The letter also expressed concern about recent policies that have created significant barriers, threatening the survival … Read More

AMAC Submits Comments on RFI – Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal That Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs

On July 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of the Secretary published a Request for Information (RFI): Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal That Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs to the Federal Register in preparation for the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. DOT invited public input on the next surface transportation authorizing legislation, with comments accepted through the RFI that closed September 8, 2025 (extended from August 20).   On September 8, 2025, AMAC submitted comments urging … Read More

A Celebration of Legacy and Lift-Off: 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference Recap

  The 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference took off in New Orleans with energy and purpose, celebrating 40 years of promoting equity in the aviation industry. Hosted by the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the conference combined history, innovation and lively cultural energy into an engaging, multi-day event. Themed “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future,” this milestone gathering brought together over 1,500 aviation professionals, businesses, policymakers and emerging leaders to celebrate achievements and plan a bold future. The … Read More

AMAC National Office Welcomes Tia Perry to the Team

Please join us in welcoming the newest member to the AMAC National Office! Tia Perry serves as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Membership at AMAC, where she leads the Membership and Sponsorship teams. With nearly two decades of experience in the construction and transportation association industries, she is dedicated to advancing engagement strategies and building impactful partnerships that drive organizational growth. An accomplished and award-winning association executive, Tia has more than 18 years of success in membership growth, … Read More

Welcome Aboard: Introducing the New AMAC Houston Chapter

Washington, DC (August 13, 2025)—We are proud to announce the launch of the AMAC Houston Chapter. This new Chapter provides tailored programming, professional connections, and a powerful platform in one of the nation’s top airport hubs. Become an AMAC National member and join the Houston Chapter today! Meet the Chapter Officers President: Tamika Dickerson of HNTB Vice President of Finance: Raquel Olivier of Olivier, Inc. Vice President of Aviation: Michael Martin of AECOM Vice President of Public Relations: Thalia Andre-Noel of McKnight International Vice President of Corporate Relations: Rhonda Arnold of the … Read More

Runway to Success: Taking Flight at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans, the Runway to Success Final Supplier Pitch Competition lifted off before a standing-room-only audience—spotlighting innovative, scalable products from minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to enter the airport concessions and retail marketplace. 🛫 A Launchpad for Opportunity Modeled after the popular “Shark Tank” format, the pitch competition unfolded in two high-energy rounds: Ready for Takeoff 8 – Eight finalists emerged from regional competitions. Final Approach … Read More

1 2 3 4 12