It is a feeling they may be forced to get used to, particularly where the small minority firms are concerned.

Minority firms are coming to benefit from their own networks.

That's why we've worked aggressively over the last two years to reach out to minority firms across the country.

An earlier executive order specified giving 10 percent of the county's business to minority firms.

As a result, by 1993, dozens of minority firms had jumped in.

This year, minority firms have participated in deals worth $34.3 billion.

However, while the recent Census numbers show overall growth and expansion for minority firms, there is still work left to be done.

There was no requirement that the minority firm actually sell any of the bonds or even receive them.

"As often as not, it lost out to another minority firm."

"I spent years trying to open the process here to women and minority firms and this effort gives that a bad name," she said.