Thanks to NaVOBA, Pittsburgh is the latest city in a wave of new cities adopting programs to create opportunities for veteran-owned businesses in city contracting. Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, along  with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, introduced the legislation.

“When the mayor brought this legislation to me and asked me to introduce it to the council, I was so honored,” Kail-Smith said. “It’s such a great way for the city of Pittsburgh to provide opportunities to such a deserving group of small business owners.”

The Pittsburgh City Council met on Dec. 1, 2010, to discuss the legislation that would set a goal of awarding 5 percent of city contracts to veteran-owned businesses. NaVOBA showed up in full force to support the measure with national spokesman Rocky Bleier leading the charge. Bleier testified in the public comment phase, followed by NaVOBA member Bob Delucia, owner of the Star Transportation Group. Matthew Pavelek, NaVOBA director of communications, also testified during the public comment phase and discussed the legislation with the council preceding the vote.

The efforts were successful and support for the bill was overwhelming as the council voted unanimously to pass the legislation. In fact, eight members of the nine-member council asked to be listed as a co-sponsor. There were some clarifications requested to amend the final passed version, namely that the 5 percent goal be a mandate, not a goal.

The council approved the final version Dec. 14, 2010, officially making Pittsburgh the newest vetrepreneur-friendly city. Is your city vetrepreneur-friendly? If not, it should be. If it is we need to know about it.  To share a program or to learn how to affect change in your hometown, send an email to localtracker@navoba.com.

To share a program or to learn how to affect change in your hometown, send an email to localtracker@navoba.com.

To watch the video of NaVOBA’s testimony visit www.navoba.com/pittsburgh.

Support for the bill was overwhelming as the council voted unanimously to pass the legislation.

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