Jo Baylor Earns Prestigious Award

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Jo Baylor, former director of the Department's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, has been recognized by the National Federation of Black Women Business Owners for her efforts in making HUD the leading federal agency in awarding contracts to small businesses. Ms. Baylor received the award on February 27, 2004 at the Marriott Wardman Hotel in Washington D.C.

In selecting Baylor for their annual Government Achievement Award, NFBWBO president Mary Walker noted, "African American women of your caliber send the message to future generations that they too can achieve success while making a positive contribution."

Baylor's drive to open HUD's doors to small business resulted in the agency currently awarding a record 51 percent of its contract dollars to small businesses and 33 percent to women-owned businesses. Small businesses have earned nearly $525 million contracting dollars from HUD.

Baylor improved small business access to HUD by participating in and hosting 83 small business conferences in 34 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and speaking in 31 venues during a one-year period.

The goals and performance of HUD's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business are on the Internet or by calling the Office at (202) 708-1428.

NFBWBO annually recognizes women who have achieved a level of independent economic success through the ownership of a business; women who have overcome obstacles and broken barriers making a path for future generations to strive for academic, economic, personal and spiritual success; women who have struggled and persevered through the unthinkable to achieve their dreams and aspirations while still giving back to their communities and families.