ORNL is one of 39 organizations statewide honored for the support of small business in their respective communities.
ORNL was recognized for the large dollar value of transactions the Laboratory has contracted with small businesses in Tennessee. ORNL purchased more than $65 million in goods and services from Tennessee businesses during fiscal year 2000, according to Will Minter, manager of ORNL's Small Business Program.
"ORNL has provided proactive leadership and has been very visible with outreach to small businesses in Tennessee," Minter said. "We have co-sponsored the annual Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Small Business Conference, partnered with the East Tennessee Environmental Business Alliance and worked outreach efforts with the Tennessee Minority Supplier Development Council."
The award was presented during Tennessee's Third Annual Small and Minority Business Day in Nashville. Minter accepted ORNL's award from Alex Fischer, Tennessee commissioner of economic and community development.
ORNL is a DOE multiprogram facility operated by UT-Battelle.