Today, Cook County, Ill., home of Chicago, is the newest vetreprenuer-friendly county. Two ordinances introduced on Sept. 1 passed today with immediate effect. Cook County Commissioner Joseph Mario Moreno introduced an ordinance that would create a service-disabled veterans business preference program. It adds service-disabled VOBs to the minority- and women-owned business programs already in place for contractors bidding for county contracts. Moreno said the motivation to add service-disabled veterans was clear.

“This is a population of people that should be given a preference.  They became disabled while serving our country bravely,” Moreno said. “Their businesses deserve a shot in the arm.”

The commissioner said the goal is for at least 3 percent of contracts to be awarded to service-disabled VOBs. Moreno said “Cook County is the second largest county in the country and we wanted to trigger something.”

A task force will be set up to ensure the legislation’s effectiveness.

“It is one thing to get it on the books, now we have to get it implemented,” Moreno said.

Commissioner William M. Beavers introduced another ordinance that was passed that gives preference to businesses that hire at least 5 percent veteran county residents for public works projects.  The vets would have had to have served in any post-9/11 conflict.  In addition to rewarding businesses that hire veterans, the ordinance also creates a business incentive for all VOBs – regardless of disability status. 

VOBs will receive up to a 5 percent preference while bidding on a contract.

Cook County is the newest addition to the growing list of local governments that have passed Vet-friendly programs.  It joins local municipalities like Las Vegas, Indianapolis and Grand Rapids, Mich.

What about your city? If you know of any programs designed to give VOBs advantages in local government contracting, let us know.

Email us LocalTracker@navoba.com or call (412) 269-1663 ext.145.

Story by Dan Sleva

Comments