Airport wins business award

The Federal Aviation Administration Office of Civil Rights recently honored Southwest Florida International Airport with the prestigious award of the 2009 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advocate and Partner. The award was presented to the Lee County Port Authority at the 25th annual Airport Business Diversity Conference in Baltimore, Md. This award is given to airports who have demonstrated excellence in meeting the letter and spirit of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. To be considered, the airport sponsors must make significant contributions in developing innovative outreach programs to build DBE capacity, eliminate barriers or increase business opportunities. "Receiving this award is a tribute to the dedication of Port Authority staff and our commitment to the advancement and inclusion of women, minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses in all aspects of airport contracting," said Robert M. Ball, executive director of the Lee County Port Authority.