It is the policy of the State of Washington that all citizens of the state, including those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, be afforded an opportunity for full participation in our free enterprise system in order to enhance their personal well-being and the state's economic potential.

In order to implement this policy, it is necessary and desirable to coordinate and strengthen state programs which encourage the development and maintenance of strong minority business enterprises.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Evans, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby order and direct the following;

I.Designation of Responsible Agency

The Department of Commerce and Economic Development (hereafter referred to as the "Department") shall be responsible for coordinating and strengthening minority business programs, and shall take actions consistent with its statutory powers to implement the policy stated herein, including the following:

1. Promote and coordinate plans, programs and operations of state government which may contribute to the establishment and strengthening of minority business.

2. Promote the mobilization of resources of state and local governments, businesses, trade associations, universities, foundations, professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups, toward the growth of minority business development, and coordinate the efforts of these groups with those of state, local and federal agencies.

3. Establish a system for the development, collection, analysis, and dissemination of information to assist persons and organizations in undertaking or promoting the establishment and successful operation of minority businesses.

4. Within constraints of law and availability of funds, provide technical and management assistance to minority businesses; provide the managerial and organizational framework through which joint or collaborative undertakings with the state agencies or private organizations can be planned and implemented; and defray all or part of the cost of pilot or demonstration projects which are designed to overcome the special problems of minority businesses and to further the purpose of this order.

5. No later than 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, submit to the Governor a full report of activities pursuant to this state policy during the previous fiscal year, and from time to time, submit to the Governor recommendations for legislation or other action deemed desirable to promote the purpose of this order.

1. The chief officer of each state department and agency, or a representative designated by him, shall furnish information, assistance, and reports, and shall other-wise cooperate with the Director of the Department or his designee in the performance of his duties.

2. The head of each state department and agency shall, when so requested, designate an assistant to have primary and continuing responsibility for the participation and cooperation of such department or agency in matters concerning minority business development.

3. Each state department or agency shall within constraints of the law and availability of funds, continue and expand all current efforts to foster and promote minority business development and to support the program herein set forth, and shall cooperate with the Director of the Department or his designee in increasing the total state effort.

(a) There is hereby created the Minority Business Development Council, appointed by the Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. Membership on the Advisory Council shall include representatives from the minority business community, the fields of finance and commerce, and state and local government.

(b) The Minority Business Development Advisory Council shall:

1. Review and evaluate policies and programs of the state relating to minority business opportunities;

2. Make recommendations to the Director and furnish such advice as may be required;

3. Make reports to the Director as may be deemed appropriate.

1. An interdepartmental and agency council composed of heads of the state departments (or their designees) whose functions affect minority business development is herein established.

2. Membership will be determined by the Director of the Department or his designee in consultation with the Governor.

3. The committee shall provide the Department with such information as can be useful in promoting minority business activity.

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