Working Together to Create New Opportunities

It seems everywhere you look, new businesses are popping up, industries are expanding, and construction signs and barrels line the streets across Louisville. The ripple effects of the city’s growth equal new opportunities for companies of all sizes.

Louisville Water is proud to collaborate with Metro Louisville leaders to ensure diverse suppliers and contractors play a role in the city’s changing landscape and economic growth.

On April 13, a Joint Utility Reception offered minority, women, and disadvantaged-owned businesses the chance to learn about job opportunities with the city of Louisville, Louisville Water, Louisville MSD, and LG&E.

It’s also a great event for the other participating hosts.

Louisville Water President & CEO, Spencer Bruce, said “We have new opportunities to meet new businesses to learn about us. Then these minority, diverse, women-owned businesses come in and work with us. It helps us, helps the community, and helps them.”

“I think it helps our initiative to get the word out about our Small Business Equity (SBE) Program,” added Louisville Water Procurement Manager, Carol Lyons.

Craig Miller, Vice President of Powers Engineering, travelled all the way from Evansville.

“We had two join from Indy and our project manager in Louisville also attended.” For them, the trip was worth it. “We have had some past work (MSD) in Louisville and are looking to increase our presence,” Miller said.

Belinda Gates, owner of Compass Enterprise, agreed. “The other connections with local companies and organizations that support small businesses was worthwhile. The Joint Utility Reception was a great forum to network with clients, meet other utility and city leaders and learn about how I can meet their needs.”

Louisville Water’s SBE Program has grown to more than 75 small businesses, many of whom are minority or women-owned.

Bruce said, “As you grow small businesses, then they become larger businesses and you get better competition, better prices. It’s good business. It’s the right thing to do.”