Strengthening the minority and women business community economically contributes to the overall economic growth and expansion of U.S. markets. Since 3i People is a “small” business, participating in minority and women business activities gives us access to other small businesses who can become some of our best vendors and partners. And since 3i People is also a minority business, our participation in minority and women business programs sometimes give us a seat at the table to be considered as a vendor to some of the largest corporations in the United States.

Therefore, when it is economically sensible, and when it does not affect our company’s competitive posture, it is the company-wide policy of 3i People to assist in developing and strengthening minority and women-owned businesses by:

• Using minority and women-owned businesses as our vendors, and

• Partnering with other minority and women-owned businesses to provide goods and services to our clients, and

• Recommending and referring other minority and women-owned businesses to our friends and clients.

For the purposes of 3i People company policy, a Minority Business Enterprise is defined as a company that is at least fifty-one percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more minority persons (Asian-American, Black American, Hispanic-American or Native American). A Women-Owned Business Enterprise is defined as a company that is at least fifty-one percent owned, managed and controlled by one or more women.