Armstrong, Austin capture Ohio Minority Business Advocacy Awards
-- EOD EDGE and MBE Certification Unit,  June 2007

Two EOD employees received statewide recognition recently for their work as advocates for minority businesses.

Cathy Armstrong and James Austin, both contract compliance officers for the EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity) and MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Certification Unit, each received Ohio Minority Business Advocacy Awards at the 2007 Ohio Business Opportunity Fair held recently in Cleveland.

“They are both major advocates for minority businesses,” said their nominator, Philip Shotwell, acting director of the Division of Minority Business Affairs for the Ohio Department of Development, who has worked with Armstrong and Austin for more than 12 years. “Both of them are very willing to step up and to travel to help a business get certified.”

Armstrong joined EOD 18 years ago as a receptionist. Before beginning her current position, she also served as a technical support unit member and assistant fiscal officer. During her tenure as a compliance officer, she has held countless training sessions for state agencies and businesses regarding the requirements of the EDGE and MBE programs.

“Cathy has a passion to assist minorities and economically and socially disadvantaged businesses to achieve their greatest potential. She enjoys meeting new customers and discussing certification and business opportunities,” according to the awards program.

Austin joined EOD in 1995 after retiring from the U.S. Army with more than 24 years of service. His current position has allowed him to assist a number of Ohioans grow and develop their businesses. Austin said his joy is helping certify businesses and then watching them grow.

The Ohio Business Opportunity Fair was hosted by the Ohio Assembly of Councils. Sponsors of the fair were the Ohio Department of Development and several corporations.

“I’m very pleased that the selection committee saw what I saw and believed that Cathy and James should be recognized,” Shotwell said.