Lori M. Ballard, M.S.A.

Experience

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  Wayne County Commission

  Jan 1994 - Jan 2000

  Assistant Commission Clerk III

  Assisted in the facilitation of the Legislative process for the largest County in the State of Michigan. Conducted meetings of certain of eight standing and various special committees of the Commission.Prepared reports, resolutions, ordinances for adoption by the Commission and conducted research.Directed clerical staff in preparation of meeting notices and accompanying documents for dissemination to committee members, executive and commission staff, media and general public.Interfaced with County Executive and staff, department/division heads, business and public officials.Represented the Commission at various community and municipal functions including, but not limited to, Tri-County Summit Mental Health Task Force, Detroit/Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency. Show less

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  Wayne County Airport Authority

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2012

  Enhanced the Wayne County Airport Authority's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program by increasing the number of certified SBE companies and increasing the dollars spent with SBE certified companies through the use of strategic outreach efforts. Such efforts included targeting qualified, certified SBEs for non-competitive solicitations; identifying Airport Authority projects in which qualified, certified SBEs could potentially provide goods or services; conducted and/or collaborated with other organizations/ entities in business opportunity networking events. Show less Developed, implemented and managed the WCAA's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in compliance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 23 and 26 on a day to day basis.Accomplishments:Participated in the creation/formation of the Michigan Unified Certification Program.The Airport Authority's DBE Program was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration for creating the Midwest Region's first Mentor-Protege program and for overall program excellence.Received, on two occasions, DBE Concession awards from the Airport Minority Advisory Council for having met or exceeded DBE goals for two consecutive years.Created and implemented a robust Outreach program reaching hundreds of small, minority and women-owned business owners.Monitored compliance of construction, professional services and concession contracts whose values exceeded several million dollars.Created and maintained an annual budget of approximately $400,000.Was active in the trade organization Airports Council International - North America for four years in leadership positions - Chair and Vice Chair, Economic Affairs Committee; Chair and Vice Chair, Business Diversity Committee Show less

  • Small Business Facilitator

    Jul 2008 - Jan 2012

  • Business Diversity Manager

    Jan 2001 - Jul 2008
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  Ballard Associates, LLC

  Jan 2012 - now

  President | Owner

  Ballard Associates, LLC provides management consulting services to companies looking to engage in successful business at airports. Behind a wealth of industry knowledge – as well as business relationships with prominent industry leaders – we pride ourselves on giving clients access to the tools they need in order to thrive in airport concessions, construction and professional services.Additionally, Ballard Associates is an owner and operator of retail concessions at Detroit Metro Airport, Flint Bishop International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport for retail and food and beverage locations. Continued future expansion in concession ownership is anticipated for the company. Show less

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  Affinia Enterprises

  Mar 2013 - now

  Founding Member

  Affinia Enterprises is an airport food and beverage company. The company is certified as an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise since March 2013. Lori is co-owner.