The 24th Annual Captains of Industry Gala is in the rearview mirror and it proved to be one of the best. Thank you to all who attended. For those who did not, you missed an outstanding time and we hope to see you next year as we celebrate Tabor 100’s 27th year.

The Gala emphasized the importance of community and solidarity. We are in some very uncertain times and it is critical that we recognize and celebrate one another. In addition, we must regularly recommit ourselves to lifting others as we rise. Regardless of the challenges put in our way, we will weather the storm and thrive, despite it. Our commitment to this principle and your success is at the heart of Tabor 100.

As you know, the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, a source of livelihood for many of our members, has been significantly curtailed by the federal government. We appreciate the fact that Washington state is working to ensure equity in contracting. Tabor 100 will strive to keep you up-to-date on the latest with the program, which has fostered equity nationwide since its creation in 1983. After all, we were created in the midst of a contracting crisis when I-200 became law, eliminating affirmative action in contracting, education and employment. We will strive to do well by you in this situation as well.

Tabor 100 is especially grateful for the work of Earl Key, Senior Director of Transportation Equity at WSDOT and Lekha Fernandez, Director of the State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises. They are both working tirelessly to ensure our businesses do not lose ground because of actions taken at the federal level. And we are pleased to see equity for minority and women-owned businesses continue to be bolstered at the state and local levels.

With that, we will sign off and urge you to take advantage of everything that Tabor 100 offers to help you grow your business.