JAXPORT sets record for small business contract payments in 2017
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- JAXPORT sets record for small business contract payments in 2017
Workers from PARS Construction, a member of Jacksonville’s Small and Emerging Business program, working on improvements to the north entrance of JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal.
JAXPORT payments for work by certified Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses (JSEB) topped nearly $5.8 million in fiscal year 2017, accounting for more than half of the port’s overall contract payments for the year, the highest annual percentage since JAXPORT’s Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program began more than a decade ago.
During the past three years, JAXPORT has awarded more than $16.4 million to small businesses in the community. The continued growth of the port’s cargo volumes offer the prospects for further JSEB opportunities.
The highest dollar value JSEB contract awarded in 2017 went to Jacksonville-based Pars Construction Services for the paving of a new automobile processing terminal which will expand the port’s auto handling capabilities at Dames Point. The company also earned more than $1 million completing paving and other enhancements at JAXPORT’s Blount Island and Talleyrand marine terminals and North Jacksonville rail facility.
Another JSEB contract awarded in 2017 went to Vallencourt Construction Co. for asphalt rehabilitation at the TraPac Container Terminal. Vallencourt has grown since it first began participating in JAXPORT’s SEB Program three years ago and in 2018, the company will reach the revenue threshold to graduate from the JSEB program
“Helping businesses outgrow the program is our ultimate goal,” says JAXPORT’s SEB Programs Coordinator Brian Williams. “When these businesses thrive they create more jobs for our neighbors and opportunity for our region.”
Other JSEB contracts were awarded in 2017 for architectural/engineering services, fencing, security, landscaping, janitorial, printing and more.
“As our cargo volumes continue to grow, our positive impact on the community grows, too,” said Eric Green, JAXPORT CEO. “There is a direct correlation.”
JAXPORT.com carries a list of open port vendor opportunities along with the links to opportunities at other public agencies, including the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, JEA, Jacksonville Transportation Authority and the Duval County School Board.
Connect with JAXPORT’S SEB Program by email at Brian.Williams@JAXPORT.com.