OCTA joined other major Southern California public agencies and corporation Tuesday, July 30 to discuss how to improve outreach efforts with the local business and diverse communities.
Approximately 12 representatives attended the meeting to discuss how to better engage and inform members of Orange County’s growing diverse community. Participants included representatives from the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Caltrans, The Walt Disney Company and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
For nearly two years, OCTA has been actively working through its outreach program to build relationships with diverse communities and to help break down bureaucratic communication barriers. Through its continued outreach efforts, OCTA is fostering relationships with civic, social and business communities.
Small business enterprises are one of the fastest growing industry segments with 28 percent owned by women, 19 percent owned by Asians and 12 percent owned by Hispanics.
This meeting is part of OCTA’s continuing plan to build business with the diverse communities.
In 2012, OCTA awarded approximately 720 contracts for the small and diverse business community. That is 20 percent of OCTA’s business contracts adding up to nearly $20 million for small and diverse businesses.