We are proud to announce receipt of the U.S. Small Business Administration‘s (SBA) HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) designation.
Established in 1997, the purpose of the HUBZone program is to provide federal contracting assistance for qualified small businesses located in historically underutilized business zones in an effort to increase employment opportunities, investment, and economic development in such areas. Qualified HUBZone small business concerns are also recognized by numerous non-governmental “supplier diversity” programs throughout the United States. The intent of these programs is to effectively expand business opportunities through outreach, purchasing exchanges and creating powerful partnerships with diverse suppliers
“We are very excited about the HUBZone designation. For three generations Cox has invested in the small communities and the employees have who have driven our success. This designation will differentiate us in the marketplace, expand our business and in turn, help us bring more jobs to our hometowns.” Michael Johnson CEO Cox Industries.
For over two and half years, Cox has been navigating the bureaucratic hurdles associated with applying for the designation of a “HUBZone Small Business Enterprise”. HUBZones are “historically underutilized business zones”, which are designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration. These areas have, for instance, a lower average income and higher unemployment rate than the national average. The program is designed to promote business and employment in these areas. Cox has operations in several of these communities, so the designation fits nicely to push our core value of supporting our nation and local communities.
Accomplishing this goal for Cox was a true team effort. Just to compile the thousands of pages of documentation required support from Human Resources, Accounting, Marketing, the Shareholders and the Senior Leadership team. Many employees helped with their personal residence information so we could prove Cox met the employment requirements of the program. Often in order to respond in a timely manner, team members were forced to drop their daily tasks and work long hours to gather the information required by the SBA. We even lobbied our SC Congressional delegation almost monthly to keep the project moving. The team deserves a huge THANK YOU and hearty CONGRATULATIONS!
Cox Industries Inc. Blog 