Press release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Office of Administration’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) was recognized with the 2019 Public Sector Champion Award from the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in St. Louis. The award was presented at their 2019 Connect & Celebrate: St. Louis ceremony earlier this month.
The Public Sector Champion Award is given to public sector partners or public figures who support and enhance business development growth while including women and diverse business owners as they help strengthen and impact Missouri’s economy.
“The Office of Equal Opportunity is an important part of our state government and this award is well deserved,” said Office of Administration Commissioner Sarah Steelman. “I want to thank the Women’s Business Development Center for this honor. Our OEO team is dedicated to helping find opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses.”
“It was an honor to receive this award, and it is a testament to my team that works tirelessly every day to help women- and minority-owned businesses earn certification with the State of Missouri,” said Carmela Thornton, Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity. “These businesses are vital to the betterment of Missouri, and our office looks forward to continuing our mission of helping them thrive.”
“We so appreciate the commitment and support that OEO has shown to our women business owners and the WBDC, and look forward to continuing to work closely with the State of Missouri to further grow small businesses,” said Karen Goldner, managing director of Established Business Services with the WBDC.
Corey Bolton, OEO deputy director, accepted the award on OEO’s behalf at an awards ceremony in St. Louis.
