WinnCompanies is top achiever; Maloney Properties, Peabody Properties, Trinity Management, and United Housing Management also cited for multi-million dollar efforts
MassHousing's Tom Gleason, second from left, with WinnCompanies' Chenelle Brown,
Arthur Winn and Gilbert Winn
MassHousing recently recognized the efforts of 76 property management companies that make a concerted effort to do business with Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.
The MassHousing Minority and Women-Owned Business vendor program helps Minority and Women-Owned Businesses benefit from the economic opportunities created by MassHousing-financed rental housing.
In fiscal year 2015, which ended June 30, 450 rental housing developments financed by MassHousing generated approximately $201.5 million in contracts for goods, services and supplies. Of this amount, $30.4 million (15%) went to Minority-Owned Businesses, $9.8 million (5%) went to Minority Women-Owned Businesses and $13.8 million (7%) went to Women-Owned Businesses.
As part of its effort to encourage equal opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses, MassHousing tracks the expenditures for property maintenance as well as goods and services within the apartment communities that the Agency has financed. It then recognizes those management companies that award significant funds to Minority and Women-Owned Businesses at an annual awards ceremony.
"These management companies make a concerted effort to use Minority and Women-Owned Businesses," said MassHousing Executive Director Tom Gleason. "The use of these companies not only helps to bolster our state's economy but it also helps create jobs that benefit thousands of families across Massachusetts. We commend these companies for another successful year.
"We also acknowledge the unique leadership of the WinnCompanies founder and principal, Arthur Winn, and its CEO, Gilbert Winn, for being the only company to have earned the highest achievement ranking every year since this award's inception in 1999," Gleason added.
WinnCompanies of Boston, Maloney Properties, Inc. of Wellesley, Peabody Properties, Inc. of Braintree, Trinity Management, LLC of Boston, and United Housing Management, LLC of Boston received top honors for their multi-million dollar expenditures with Minority and Women-Owned Businesses.
In fiscal year 2015, WinnCompanies awarded $3.5 million to Minority-Owned Businesses, $2.3 million to Minority Women-Owned Businesses and $2.2 million to Women-Owned Businesses. WinnCompanies has been the top-producing company in MassHousing's M/WBE program for the past 16 years.
"We appreciate being recognized by the state and our longtime partner, MassHousing," said Arthur Winn. "We always try to do the best we can. I'd like to think being the industry leader for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses is a byproduct of our culture and values."
Trinity Management, LLC awarded $5.3 million to Minority-Owned Businesses, $493,351 to Minority Women-Owned Businesses and $560,151 to Women-Owned Businesses.
"Our commitment to diversity permeates all our decisions, from housing to purchasing policies," said Trinity Management CEO Kate Franco. "We thank MassHousing for providing an abiding focus on affordable housing and community economic development."
Peabody Properties, Inc. awarded $3.2 million to Minority-Owned Businesses, $779,561 to Minority Women-Owned Businesses and $1.6 million to Women-Owned Businesses.
"We applaud MassHousing's continued accomplishments in expanding opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses. With a goal to always be a strong leader in the Commonwealth with our supplier diversity program, Peabody Properties is very proud, once again, to receive top honors for our multi-million dollar expenditures. Together, with our diverse supplier base, we affirm our commitment to equality, diversity and the long-term economic sustainability of our communities," said Melissa Fish-Crane, Principal and Chief Operating Officer for Peabody Properties.
Maloney Properties awarded $2.1 million to Minority-Owned Businesses, $328,502 to Minority Women-Owned Businesses and $610,078 to Women-Owned Businesses.
"Congratulations to MassHousing for another extremely successful year in promoting MBE and WBE businesses. Maloney Properties, Inc. is proud to be recognized, once again, for our multi-million dollar achievement in procuring goods and services from MBE and WBE firms. This award belongs to all of our dedicated employees who seek opportunities that promote diversity when hiring vendors and doing business in the community," said Janet Frazier, President of Maloney Properties.
United Housing Management awarded $2.4 million to Minority-Owned Businesses, $247,528 to Minority Women-Owned Businesses and $1 million to Women-Owned Businesses.
"United Housing Management is honored to be recognized by MassHousing as a recipient of the FY 2015 Multi-Million Dollar MBE and WBE Achievement Awards. MassHousing has always been at the forefront of community inclusion along with MBE and WBE participation, and it is through our combined efforts that we are able to continuously maintain high MBE and WBE engagement levels," said United Housing Management CEO Kevin Bynoe.
Additionally, Beacon Communities, LLC of Boston was honored as a Million Dollar Achiever and Sentry Property Management of Allston, Keith Properties of Canton, and Greater Boston Properties of Boston, received Awards for Excellence.