ZACH SCOTT TO FOCUS ON SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS
Zach Scott will be good for minority business because he sees the support and development of minority business as part of the success of Columbus. Zach understands that we are at a tipping point in Columbus. A point where if we do not expand the success of this city beyond downtown, it will collapse on itself. The supports, the foundation of any community are small business and that’s where the majority of minority business exists – as small businesses – and that’s where the greatest opportunity for job creation is.
Zach Scott will replicate the successful expansion and inclusion of minorities in the Sheriff’s Office into the Mayor’s Office and all its operations. As Sheriff, Scott was intentional about creating a specific officer to increase minority outreach. That resulted in more than a 30% increase in African American applicants and more than 50% increase in Hispanic and Somali applicants. In just over four years that has resulted in bringing the deputies and employees in the Sheriff’s Office almost on par with the minority representation in the community. Seventy-eight percent of the appraisers contracted with his office are minority and or female. Those are results from decisions he made and planned to achieve – not just lip service.
Zach Scott will bring the same focus and commitment to minority business with the City of Columbus. He will be looking for results. Results come from intent and commitment.
Zach Scott will require partnerships between big business and minority business that are built into the bid and contract processes. Scott will not just have a Small Business Roundtable, he will require large and small business partnerships to encourage the inclusion of minority business, as well as help gain access and build capacity.
Part of his economic development plan will be on “Neighborhoods Neglected and Left Behind” such as South Linden, South End/Parsons Avenue, Near East Side, Franklinton, Hilltop, and North Linden/Morse Road. In the Neighborhoods Neglected and Left Behind there is great opportunity for small and minority businesses in development – not only on large university or private sector projects. Minority business should lead in these sectors.
Zach Scott understands the only way to have a sustainable thriving economy is to include everyone. Anything short of that threatens the viability of the economy and ultimately has a negative impact on all business.
