Executive Order

Executive Order  No. 269: Minority Business Development Commission

Date: 01/19/1987
Issuer: Michael S. Dukakis
Mass Register: No. 549

Table of Contents

WHEREAS, it is the policy and intent of this Administration to eliminate a broad range of problems in the minority communities of the Commonwealth through the implementation of economic development policies that encourage and support the development of minority business enterprises;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote the development of minority business enterprises by guaranteeing the greatest possible participation of minority business enterprises in the award of all state grants and contracts;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote the development of minority business enterprises through the adoption of new legislation, policies and procedures wherever needed, and the monitoring of existing legislation, policies and procedures to assure effective implementation of established programs designed to assist minority businesses and to foster a higher degree of prosperity and economic health in minority communities across the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael S. Dukakis, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby issue this Order as a necessary step to promote and encourage the development and expansion of minority business enterprises in the Commonwealth.

ARTICLE I: Creation of Commission

1.1 There is hereby created a permanent oversight commission, to be known as the Minority Business Development Commission (the Commission), to consist of forty members. The Commission shall include the Secretary of The Executive Office of Economic Affairs, the Assistant Secretary of Minority Business Assistance Development, the Director of the State Office of Minority Business Assistance (SOMBA), the Executive Order 237 Coordinator and thirty-six individuals appointed by the Governor who shall serve without compensation.

1.2 Each member appointed shall serve for a term of three years. In the case of members initially appointed hereunder, twelve shall be appointed for three years, twelve shall be appointed for two years, and twelve shall be appointed for one year.

1.3 The Commission shall be co-chaired by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Affairs and one member designated by the Governor. The Assistant Secretary for Minority Business Development shall be responsible for overseeing the work of the Commission, and for providing the staff support needed to enable the Commission to fulfill its mandate.

ARTICLE II: Mandate of Commission

2.1 The Commission shall survey and evaluate all statutes of the Commonwealth and all governmental programs and practices relating to minority business enterprises, and shall make recommendations to the Governor for such changes as the Commission may deem necessary to further the interests of minority entrepreneurs.

2.2 The Commission shall work with SOMBA and other state agencies to develop a clear and forceful mission statement for SOMBA, and to establish minority business development as a statewide priority.

2.3 The Commission may form committees from its own membership at the direction of the co-chairs, and call upon the expertise of consultants and task forces from outside its own membership for research support and technical assistance required to facilitate the expansion of existing minority businesses and the creation of new minority ventures to ensure equal access and equal opportunity in the market place.

2.4 The Commission shall meet at regular intervals and may hold hearings and seminars throughout the Commonwealth.

2.5 The Commission shall submit such reports and formal recommendations to the Governor as may be necessary, but in any event, at least on an annual basis.

2.6 The Commission shall receive the cooperation of all state agencies to further the goals of this Order, and the Commission shall have access to and the right to review all data regarding the award of grants and contracts and the purchase of goods services within every state agency in the Commonwealth.

Given in Boston this 19th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America two hundred and eleven.

Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Michael Joseph Connolly
Secretary of the Commonwealth

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