Skip to main content

For Immediate Release
October 9, 2019
CONTACT
Kate Flavin

316-660-9370

U.S. Small Business Administration Recognizes County Efforts

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Sedgwick County’s Purchasing Department and Director Joe Thomas were recognized today for their vital partnership and collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

“We sincerely appreciate the recognition of this great team,” said Chairman David Dennis.

Thomas is actively involved in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/ Women Business Enterprise consortium. The consortium allows area public partners such as Wichita Public Schools, City of Wichita, Wichita State University, and McConnell Air Force Base, to collaborate, share best practices and outreach to small business vendors.

“Partnership and collaboration are core values of the SBA, and we could not advance the agency’s mission without our community partners,” said SBA District Director Wayne Bell. “So today I’d like to recognize the Sedgwick County Purchasing Department and its leader Joe Thomas, Purchasing Director for their efforts.”

Under Thomas, the Purchasing Department is also an active co-sponsor of the SBA Suppliers Conference and provides expertise in the SBA’s Emerging Leaders program.

“The SBA programs have helped us get fair and equitable bids and allowed us to see the development of small vendors into pretty sizable ones,” said Thomas. “This award is more than me though; it’s given to the team behind the scenes.”

Through these efforts, the Purchasing Department is able to help support the SBA’s mission relative to the nation’s economy, by enabling the establishment and vitality of small businesses. The department operates under the Division of Finance, has eight employees, and works to acquire goods and services to support county departments –totaling approximately $150 million annually – for the best possible price, while being prudent with taxpayer dollars. It ensures that the purchasing process is open, fair, competitive, and provides opportunities for all interested vendors.

-end-