2023 Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) Disparity Study
Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) has engaged Griffin & Strong, P.C (GSPC) to conduct a Disparity Study (“Study”). The purpose of the Study is to determine if there is a statistically significant disparity between the number of minority, women, and locally owned small businesses that are ready, willing, and able to perform construction, professional and non-professional services or provide goods and the number of majority concerns currently participating in these same types of contracts and purchases with MLGW. GSPC will be conducting surveys, public hearings, webinars and other public engagement meetings to serve this purpose. If your firm is contacted to provide input, we thank you for your participation. You may also email us any comments or questions at MLGWStudy@gspclaw.com.
ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE COLLECTION
Local Organizations
GSPC also desires the feedback of organizations that speak for the local business community. Local business, civic, and trade organizations may be contacted to participate. If you desire to meet with GSPC to discuss your organization’s perspective or relevant experience(s) working with Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), contact us at MLGWStudy@gspclaw.com.
Anecdotal Interviews
The Disparity Study will provide an opportunity for feedback from business owners about experiences, both positive and negative, contracting with Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW). Anecdotal interviews are one-on-one interviews with business owners to discuss their experiences doing business with Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) or navigating business development in the region.
This testimony can play a critical role in improving current programs. Beginning with our Informational meetings in the Fall, the Disparity Study anecdotal process involves the completion of anecdotal interviews, public hearings and focus groups. Anecdotal interviews began in December 2022.
If contacted, we encourage your honest and transparent feedback.
Survey of Business Owners
GSPC conducted a Survey of Business Owners to understand the experiences of firms in Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW)’s marketplace in doing business with MLGW. All firms in the marketplace were invited to take the survey which was sent out in January 2023.
Email Comments
For those who are not contacted to participate in an interview or focus group, are unavailable, or are generally uncomfortable providing public testimony, you may email us anytime with anecdotal comments or questions at MLGWStudy@gspclaw.com.
EVENTS
Informational Meeting
To learn more about this Study, how to be involved, or to address any questions or concerns, please attend our community informational meetings in August of 2022.
| DATE | TIME | VENUE |
|---|---|---|
| August 17th, 2022 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm CT | View Powerpoint |
Public Hearings
The public hearings are an opportunity for businesses and other community members to go on the record with their comments about doing business with Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), or its marketplace. All comments will become part of the public record and will be included in the Study analysis. The public hearings will be held in January 2022.
| DATE | TIME | VENUE |
|---|---|---|
| April 5th, 2023 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm CT | View Recording |
| April 6th, 2023 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm CT | View Recording |
| April 18th, 2023 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm CT | View Recording |
Focus Groups
GSPC invites a small group of diverse firms to provide their view of doing business with Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), attempting to do business with MLGW, or explaining why they have not attempted to do business with MLGW, in a discussion setting. Firms are chosen at random from each ethnicity and gender group of the Study.
Social Media
For information about scheduled events and Study updates, feel free to follow Griffin & Strong, P.C. on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. You may also provide commentary regarding the Study via social media, regardless of whether you are selected for a random interview. If you wish to provide a comment regarding your experiences, whether positive or negative, in doing business in or with Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), please reach us on social media.
