"D/FW Airport wins high marks for minority retailers program"

Monday, December 5, 2005

D/FW Airport wins high marks for minority retailers program
The Dallas (TX) Business Journal


A Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport program designed for minority and
female concession owners generated $431 million in regional economic
activity over the past three years, according to an impact study released
Monday. 
 
In addition, D/FW's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise program
brought in more than $287 million during the study period -- more than half
of the airport's retail revenue -- and supported more than 2,200 jobs during
the three-year period, adding $157 million to regional labor income,
according to the study presented by the Center for Economic Development and
Research at the University of North Texas. 

Retail sales generated a total of $763 million in regional economic activity
-- boosting salaries, wages and benefits by more than $283 million,
according to the study. 

The study's results were announced Monday during the 12th Annual AAAE/AMAC
Airports Economic Forum at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at D/FW Airport. 

The study shows D/FW Airport's concessionaires strengthened despite business
challenges and disruptions, such as Delta Airlines reducing service last
year. 

"By ensuring that vendor and concessionaire opportunities are available to
businesses that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of North Texas,
D/FW strengthens the region's capacity to grow and maintain its
competitiveness in a global marketplace," said Bernard L. Weinstein,
co-author of the study. "A critical component of D/FW International Airport
becoming what many consider to be the 'economic engine' of North Texas is a
commitment to support small businesses." 

The Airports Economic Forum began Sunday and continues through Tuesday. The
forum, formed by the Airport Minority Advisory Council and the American
Association of Airport Executives, brings together airport executives,
business owners and legal and financial experts to discuss the latest
initiatives in economic planning, airport safety/management, legislation and
regulatory changes. 

Web sites: www.dfwairport.com and www.aaae.org


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