We are honored to announce that Directed Action, Inc. (DAI) was awarded Small Business of the Year by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. DAI Executive Director Kevin Keane serves on the small business committee along with fellow awardees implementing inclusive procurement initiatives that make it easier for large companies in Los Angeles to connect with local and diverse suppliers.
“Small business owners are key drivers in the LA economy. The Small Business Council has been critical to our advocacy for and engagement of small business owners as they face the disruptions from COVID and supply chain issues” says Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to recognize Directed Action as a leader on the council. Their experience leveraging corporate Supplier Diversity and DEI initiatives to provide access and opportunities for our small business members is an example of the innovative thinking that makes this council so valuable.”
“This is an exciting award for Directed Action because it will help raise visibility among LA companies about the importance of the Diversity and Inclusion and Supplier Diversity work that we are so passionate about,” said Kevin. “There are a number of reasons why companies are so invested in supplier diversity programs. One is because as part of their diversity equity inclusion process they want to make sure that they have outreach both to their clients and their customers and their community. But they also do it very strategically. Because it makes business sense,” he says.
Directed Action looks forward to working with the other honorees to continue to expand opportunities to small businesses in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. “We see exciting transformative programs being put in place for large companies and small businesses, and we’re thrilled to facilitate those transformations.”