On Thursday Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed Executive Directive 35 (ED 35), which aims to make it easier for women- and minority-owned businesses like CR&A Custom to participate in the city’s procurement process.
ED 35 is the result of a study produced in partnership with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) Institute for Applied Economics.
The directive calls for the standardization of business data collection by Departments to help guide city policies, actions to enact City Charter amendments that increase the inclusion of small businesses, improvements in communication and the processing of contract payments, and avenues for increasing business support and outreach.
Mayor Garcetti signed the directive at a news briefing where he was joined by Council members Nithya Raman and Paul Krekorian. The date of the signing was significant, as it took place one day before Women’s Equality Day (August 26).
Women-Owned Business Drive Growth of LA’s Economy
Businesses led by women have become increasingly important to the economy of the city. As of 2018, there are more than 736,000 women-owned firms in the Greater Los Angeles area. This is the second highest number of women-owned businesses in a metropolis nationwide, only behind New York. This number has grown more than 24% since 2002 and accounts for more than 44% of the revenue for Los Angeles County.
“Women strengthen our economy, families, communities, workplaces, and city, and yet they face obstacles and inequities every day,” Mayor Garcetti explained. “This directive, guided by our study, will provide a sturdy foundation for future equality in economic growth. Let’s uplift women and facilitate opportunity, because when they thrive our city thrives.”
“This is history,” said Carmen Rad, founder and president of CR&A Custom. “I’ve been an advocate for minority- and women-owned businesses for years. These executive orders and policies will help land contracts for our women today and encourage the next generation of women business owners to get certified.”
About CR&A Custom
CR&A Custom is a woman- and minority-owned large format printing company known for its proven track record of success and its drive to excel.
If you are interested in learning more about our products, history, or philosophy, contact us today by email (info@cracustom.com), telephone (213-749-4440), social media (Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn), or through the live chat on our home page.
