[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY--THE 1998 MAYNARD JACKSON AWARD 
                               RECIPIENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 1998

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to The 
Walt Disney Company for being honored by the National Association of 
Minority Contractors (NAMC) with the 1998 Maynard Jackson Award. The 
Walt Disney Company received this important award because of its work 
to ensure minority contractors equal access to contracting 
opportunities.
  The NAMC is a non-profit trade association that was established in 
1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors. While 
membership is open to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, the 
organization's mandate, ``Building Bridges-Crossing Barriers,'' focuses 
on construction industry concerns common to African Americans, Asian 
Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. The Association is active in 
49 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.
  The Walt Disney Company's commitment to diversity in its contracting 
practices earned them this national honor. The company does business 
with more than 1500 minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Since 
Disney launched its Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program 16 
years ago, it has increased spending with minority-owned and women-
owned businesses fifty-fold.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my colleagues, join me in 
applauding The Walt Disney Company for the work they have done to 
receive this prestigious award.

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