tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70289207292567014672024-03-13T04:15:57.817-05:00Diversity 411: Supplier Diversity Information from Diversity Information Resources (DIR)Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-77161981652120168662017-04-25T09:46:00.004-05:002017-04-25T09:49:15.104-05:00DIR's 2017 22nd Annual Best Practices in Supplier Diversity Strategies and Initiatives Seminar<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Register Now and Save - DIR's 22nd Annual Best Practices in Supplier Diversity Strategies and Initiatives Seminar, August 8-10, 2017 in Washington, DC</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">WHO ATTENDS: Supplier Diversity Professionals, Purchasing Manager & Buyers, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">VP’s of Materials and Purchasing, Procurement Managers, SBLOs, Graduates of DIR's Building Strategic Phases Seminar</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2017 TOPICS INCLUDE:</span><br />
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<li><span size="3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Leveraging Second Tier Partnerships: </span></span><span size="3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Corporations and Diverse Businesses and between Diverse Businesses and Diverse Businesses. The Value and Impact of a Second Tier Program and the Procurement Process.</span></span></li>
<li><span size="3"></span><span size="3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Team of One: Goal Setting, Measuring, Tracking and Reporting Spend, Gaining Internal Influence, integrating Supplier diversity into the Supply Chain.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Economic Impact and Development: The Future of Supplier Diversity</span></li>
<li><span size="3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Government Reporting, Contracts, and Legislative updates.</span></span></li>
<li><span size="3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Global Supplier Diversity Initiatives and Strategies</span></span></li>
<li><span size="3"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cyber Security: The risks associated with doing business in today’s technological world and how to protect your corporation, your customers, your suppliers and yourself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></li>
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click </span><a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/EducationalSeminars" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to Register!</span></span><br />
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<br />Mktg at Diversity Information Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05335630721577635905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-40542682436647264362016-04-06T09:32:00.000-05:002016-04-06T09:32:14.040-05:00DIR's "Best Practices in Supplier Diversity Strategies and Initiatives"We put together a quick video recapping DIR's 2014 and 2015 "Best Practices..." seminars so you could get a sneak peek at the terrific networking, professional learning and dynamic contributions both the speakers and the attendees offer. Take a look!<br />
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<div><iframe width="560" height="420" src="http://www.kizoa.com/embed-39069703-5290329o1l1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.kizoa.com/Video-Editor-Movie-Maker/d39069703k5290329o2l1/embracing-change-impacting-innovation"><b>"Embracing Change, Impacting Innovation"</b></a> - <i><a href="http://www.kizoa.com">Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker</a></i></div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="420" src="http://www.kizoa.com/embed-39075490-5699300o1l1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.kizoa.com/Video-Editor-Movie-Maker/d39075490k5699300o2l1/dirs-2014-best-practices-seminar"><b>DIR's 2014 "Best Practices" seminar</b></a> - <i><a href="http://www.kizoa.com">Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker</a></i></div>
DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-53114055653519675532016-04-06T09:28:00.000-05:002016-04-06T09:28:10.065-05:00Why register as a diverse supplier? TLC Springwater's story helps answer that question . . . <i>"Why should I register?"</i> is a question we are asked every day here at DIR. The bottom line is that it makes good economic sense and it will, eventually, save you time as you're out prospecting for new clients. When you register with DIR as a diverse-owned business, your information becomes part of a database that is accessed and searched daily by thousands of buyers at major corporations. Take a look at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YJfaf0z50I" target="_blank">this short video</a> about how registration helped TLC Springwater in Cleveland, OH grow their business.<br />
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Keep in mind that the portal of information DIR manages is only one of a few that major corporations around the world use for sourcing, searching and managing information that they'll eventually need for reporting either inside or outside their organization. The information that you provide is crucial to <i>their</i> future contracting opportunities and that's just one of the reasons they rely on DIR for information validation and verification. In a nutshell, suppliers provide the information, DIR makes sure it stays current and valid.<br />
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DIR's <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/About/CorporateClients" target="_blank">client list</a> continues to change, of course, and there are other supplier portals 'out there' that are used as well so don't be surprised if your business grows to the point of being asked to create profiles in numerous databases. Take your time, keep an 'excel' file or other cheat sheet with the often-requested information, and be sure to use a contact email that is not unique to just one person in case there are personnel changes.<br />
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Supplier registration at DIR or at one of DIR's <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/About/CorporateClients" target="_blank">clients</a> is free, relatively easy (although time consuming), and comes with additional benefits such as:<br />
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<li>certification expiration alerts by e-mail</li>
<li>the ability to update your profile once for multiple corporations</li>
<li>seeing posted opportunities from a variety of corporations</li>
<li>space to upload marketing information</li>
<li>24-7 secure access</li>
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When you're ready, you can register <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Thank you!<br />
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DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-52648293495437658212016-04-04T09:16:00.000-05:002016-04-04T09:16:08.466-05:00DIR helps corporate supplier diversity programs thrive.DIR delivers tool for supplier diversity initiative success. Whether a corporation's need is launching a new supplier diversity initiative or further developing an existing program, DIR has the proven expertise to help SBLOs, supplier diversity and procurement professionals plan, implement and manage a successful supplier diversity program.<br />
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This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf4BQMmNyPg" target="_blank">video story</a> is about a corporate supplier diversity professional who began to use DIR's managed services including data management, certification validation and sourcing lists. It helps illustrate how DIR can function as an extension of an-house staff (or lack thereof!). As always, DIR staff is available to answer questions anytime ... please reach out to see how DIR can help you drive supplier diversity success!<br />
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<br />DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-11016016650806510772016-02-22T14:26:00.000-06:002016-02-22T14:32:01.295-06:002016 Resources from DIRLooking for help navigating the supplier diversity industry? DIR's resources can help!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH51PPUF-ObQfo4JuwHUZRh3EaAh0i4Ry2EDaJjz9BqFYgU-tT3I9Zt7422z5z2MnEXCrnH-AW-X2pU2kzzgJXbvRFbj-metSzYmpKXqmTBVyiQXMMmObE2KmCkrQAErZETGehnKCX5pta/s1600/2016BusinessSDCoverONLY.72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH51PPUF-ObQfo4JuwHUZRh3EaAh0i4Ry2EDaJjz9BqFYgU-tT3I9Zt7422z5z2MnEXCrnH-AW-X2pU2kzzgJXbvRFbj-metSzYmpKXqmTBVyiQXMMmObE2KmCkrQAErZETGehnKCX5pta/s200/2016BusinessSDCoverONLY.72.jpg" width="154" /></a><i>The Business of Supplier Diversity: A Handbook of Essential Contacts and Information for Navigating the Industry </i>($135.00) combines who-to-call with where-to-look and provides a road map to the supplier diversity industry. Diverse-owned suppliers and supplier diversity professionals use the helpful listings for reference, marketing and planning purposes. It offers a detailed contact list of over 900 supplier diversity and procurement contacts at major corporations, government agencies, large non-profit organizations, and educational institutions and supplier diversity industry information regarding certification, legislation and additional resources essential to small- and diverse-owned businesses. This book is available in a hot-linked PDF download, too. The industry contacts only can be purchased as DIR's "<a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/ProductDetail/24" target="_blank">Purchasing People in Major Corporations Online</a>". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguycpQ8FK1nvccVrBzFX54Przt3k0Vg3b1IVA3pOrNrfqBBbFcOUbAJD4YT3sVdJ6a4a1eYkBpfeJ9j6zRSYt7O7c3-szvY-RIedHpxJLNFn-hsPK6xCed62X_PKM-QEbeN0A2s86sY5gs/s1600/2016NMWOBCoverOnly.72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguycpQ8FK1nvccVrBzFX54Przt3k0Vg3b1IVA3pOrNrfqBBbFcOUbAJD4YT3sVdJ6a4a1eYkBpfeJ9j6zRSYt7O7c3-szvY-RIedHpxJLNFn-hsPK6xCed62X_PKM-QEbeN0A2s86sY5gs/s200/2016NMWOBCoverOnly.72.jpg" width="154" /></a><br />
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<i>The 2016 National Minority and Women-Owned Business Directory</i> ($175.00) is the go-to guide for finding certified MBE/WBEs in the USA. This unique resource, published annually, lists over 7,500 nationally certified Minority and Women-Owned Businesses. Data is organized by Category and State; helpful keyword index included. Identifies: Company Name, Address, Contact, Capabilities, Website, Email, Ownership Type, Certifications, Revenues, Number of Employees, and more.</div>
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Visit us <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/DatabasesDirectories?alternatetitle=Databases%2FDirectories" target="_blank">online</a> to see excerpts and learn more. Together, we can "Drive Supplier Diversity Success". </div>
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DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-44084235319145188862015-08-06T09:30:00.003-05:002015-08-06T09:35:11.918-05:00Why Detroit for DIR's 20th "Best Practices" seminar anniversary? <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAVVAe7LBcQ-QgKCHe4UMU9HwdkC3GFO8aJMiLOy5ASoOeiwBycY6U2aV1o8vrvkHaXYDfOoCmcW5ZbRVBVz_nTNrhcC3AIcF5vFklVqV_AK15lZBFDvKUd97f7j1dZ4bgZkE__JJW6h/s1600/SupplierEmailHeader1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAVVAe7LBcQ-QgKCHe4UMU9HwdkC3GFO8aJMiLOy5ASoOeiwBycY6U2aV1o8vrvkHaXYDfOoCmcW5ZbRVBVz_nTNrhcC3AIcF5vFklVqV_AK15lZBFDvKUd97f7j1dZ4bgZkE__JJW6h/s640/SupplierEmailHeader1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #232629;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">DIR’s <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/ProductDetail/83" target="_blank">“Embracing Change, Impacting Innovation” luncheon</a>, a celebration of its 20th anniversary "Best Practices in Supplier Diversity Strategies & Initiatives" seminar, is being held in Detroit, MI on Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 in downtown Detroit. DIR chose Detroit for numerous reasons, some noted below. </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">Along with a rich history of hosting industry champions, Detroit has become a city that has championed entrepreneurial renewal along with small- and diverse-owned business growth.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">The MMSDC (Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council), headquartered in Detroit, is facilitating a $100 million fund dispersal to minority-owned businesses. That is a significant investment. DIR is pleased to welcome the MMSDC as its regional partner for the event, helping reach the regional Detroit audience.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">Detroit's location provides easy-access for DIR's audience of major corporate professionals including those from Kelly Services, MetLife, Cintas, TimeWarner, Johnson Controls, Saatchi & Saatchi, World Wide Technology, Inc., LG&E and KU, GDS&M, AON, United Rentals, Inc., ImpaxLabs, Novation, BI and more.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9rsbDom82e6hGFLgPOevvXr6QKcIx-GtqzjgQE5WSWL0fh9dl0m4L3ScROwYSYpdYS6XCc2JVrXjiv74mKA-rvmIhgd28sKS4rOjvpWuRS-6JkBs6mtKos4W3H8PxXk7uRipR2DnpIKK/s1600/Holder72..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIR Keynote Speaker, August 2015" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9rsbDom82e6hGFLgPOevvXr6QKcIx-GtqzjgQE5WSWL0fh9dl0m4L3ScROwYSYpdYS6XCc2JVrXjiv74mKA-rvmIhgd28sKS4rOjvpWuRS-6JkBs6mtKos4W3H8PxXk7uRipR2DnpIKK/s200/Holder72..jpg" title="The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr." width="146" /></a></span><span style="color: #232629; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">DIR invited former U.S. Attorney General, The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr. to be the keynote speaker of this celebratory luncheon. Along with being a senior legal advisor to Barack Obama during Obama’s presidential campaign, he is a staunch civil rights proponent. His civil service record includes defending the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was reauthorized in 2006. He supports comprehensive immigration reform, and in 2011, he announced that the Department of Justice would no longer defend cases involving the Defense of Marriage Act in court. In 2014, Holder unveiled a new policy banning profiling on the basis of religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity by federal law enforcement agencies. Mr. Holder is the first African-American to hold the office of U. S. Attorney General.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">There are numerous reasons (some of which apply to attending the luncheon, too) why attending DIR </span><a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/EducationalSeminars" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;" target="_blank">professional development seminars</a><span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;"> is a good investment of time and money:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">casual networking, a history lesson from hearing how other businesses have thrived (or suffered and rebuilt themselves)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">access to materials that help with follow-up once you return to the office</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">multiple perspectives on how peers make their business cases to the "C" suite, and more.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">But by far, what we read the most in the evaluation comments is "inspiring, refreshing, supportive". That works!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">Individual luncheon tickets are available as are numerous sponsorship levels including "Engage and Educate" that provides tickets for local students. DIR is also hosting a VIP reception which includes networking and conversations with industry leaders and Mr. Holder. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32px;">DIR has been driving supplier diversity success via publications, education and data management for over 45 years. That longevity speaks to the integrity of the data it manages, the quality of seminars it presents and the value of its publications. Join DIR for this anniversary event and be an additional driver of supplier diversity success!</span></div>
Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-71474625987228324482015-06-18T09:59:00.000-05:002015-06-18T09:59:26.284-05:00Diversity 411: Why Be a Certified Diverse-Owned Business?As with most businesses, diverse-owned businesses want a seat at the procurement table. Everyone appreciates the opportunity to bid on future business! That can be tough invitation to get, however, regardless of your business size or history due to a business climate ripe with entrepreneurs, newly formed partnerships and historically branded and trusted companies. In your toolbox full of helpers including a strong financial history, testimonials from successful partnerships, and talented, proactive staff, it’s a good idea to also have verified and approved certification.<br />
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Certifications from a national recognized organization including the SBA (Small Business Administration), NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council), WBENC (Women’s Business Entrepreneurial National Council) and others are widely recognized and respected at the local, national and global business levels. A valid certification is becomes an important marketing tool for expanding your company’s visibility among top procurement decision makers because it verifies who you are when it comes to reporting and outreach.<br />
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Corporations, be they compliance-, customer-, or consumer-driven, know that reaching out to certified diverse-owned businesses provides economic advantages and grows a more responsive and nimble supplier base. Maybe your company can fill a supplier chain niche, or maybe it’s on the cutting edge of creating new efficiencies in reaching target markets. Certifications save corporate procurement teams valuable research time in trying to find you. Outreach happens more effectively and expeditiously. Reporting is done with more integrity.<br />
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Certification from credible, national organizations offers an opportunity for you to begin to build connections not only with corporations, but also with like-minded suppliers you may eventually need to form an alliance with. Certifying agencies provide a community—a network of professionals growing their own businesses and sharing resources along the way.<br />
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Along with certification, involvement with your regional council is key. Being vested in your business is a given, but what about building community with other professional outreach organizations where major corporations also “play”. Be on Boards, volunteer for committees, sponsor community and national events.<br />
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Be successful by being involved and by providing corporations with a clear understanding of who you are and what you do. Certification helps pave that path.<br />
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<i>For more Diversity 411 posts, check out DIR's “<a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/ProductDetail/77" target="_blank">The Business of Supplier Diversity</a>” book which is published annually. </i>Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-14910964028508430662015-03-12T09:11:00.001-05:002015-03-12T09:11:47.129-05:00Helpful article about Supplier Diversity by Martin Desmarais, published in the "Bay State Banner" from Boston, MA<a href="http://baystatebanner.com/news/2015/mar/09/supplier-diversity-how-market-your-business-public/#.VQGeObQOK8M.blogger">Supplier Diversity – How to Market your business to public entity</a>DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-90461470197710396832015-01-20T14:35:00.000-06:002015-01-20T14:35:06.426-06:00A new DIR publication responds to Supplier Diversity market needs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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DIR is pleased to announce a new "handbook," <b><i>The Business of Supplier Diversity</i></b>, designed to help diverse-owned businesses <b><i>and </i></b>supplier diversity professionals navigate the supplier diversity industry.<br />
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Each year at DIR’s Minneapolis, MN headquarters, we talk to hundreds of diverse-owned suppliers and supplier diversity professionals. This book shares what we’ve learned from frequently asked questions, offers some shortcuts and tips, and establishes one guarantee: the road to a corporate contract agreement is long and winding!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aAg4JIXHvtWEAy4FfB3l5D4_fTBjJSzzCr7uz4pQt8ljDsva-fmq6SkOg3a52HdzvQSCsThl6WRGhD9cCmv3yXKe6FxcVW-4lmMbx8Tnwt8NDAtWyMVHhcvq7GUnJIH7bG6-uFFUPXq-/s1600/2015BizSDCoverOnly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aAg4JIXHvtWEAy4FfB3l5D4_fTBjJSzzCr7uz4pQt8ljDsva-fmq6SkOg3a52HdzvQSCsThl6WRGhD9cCmv3yXKe6FxcVW-4lmMbx8Tnwt8NDAtWyMVHhcvq7GUnJIH7bG6-uFFUPXq-/s1600/2015BizSDCoverOnly.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a><b>Know your history:</b> There is a Legislation section in the very beginning of this book. Especially if you’re new to Supplier Diversity, it is helpful to understand how this industry was shaped in order to understand how best to pursue opportunities in it.<br />
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<b>Ask about the why’s and when’s: </b>Typically, corporations are involved with Supplier Diversity because of compliance (government contracts), customer requirements (2nd tier spend) and/or consumer outreach (people tend to support corporations who support their communities). Asking about a corporation’s motivation to increase their supplier diversity spend is helpful. By understanding a corporation’s motivation and business cycle, suppliers can pace their own research and outreach efforts.<br />
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<b>Resources are plentiful: </b>The tools in this book include a section on the U.S. SBA (Small Business Administration) programs and the acceptable definitions of diverse-owned businesses. The Federal/State/Local Government entities are listed in the following section as general resource listings.<br />
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<b>Reach out to the right advocates; connect with peers: </b>The Supplier Diversity Contacts section (also known on DIR's product list as "Purchasing People in Major Corporations: An Online Database") contains up-to-date information on over 900 corporate contacts who are, typically, liaisons to procurement departments. (Please note that listings were current as we went to press in December 2014.) They are front-line advocates and storied experts in Supplier Diversity.<br />
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<b>More help as you need it: </b>Also included are sections with Industry Resources, Certifying Organizations, both of which are exhaustive lists of other places where the language of supplier diversity is spoken.<br />
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You talked. We listened. Order this new resource today for your own use, for department reference, for consulting connections ... it will become a trusted map as you wind through the supplier diversity path to the procurement table! </div>
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Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-24026581936994241892015-01-15T09:55:00.001-06:002015-01-15T09:55:38.431-06:00DIR's annual "National Minority and Women-Owned Directory" is hot off the press! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPa8PZU1F567cj02wTF0hFa353Wh2nWA4PdnQ84C2a3wWpuAqloT_4Hz_EBdHVhMtPn8NgqsmYeM44SsQGsD3kTTWBOzw3RP-tYNJ36DBjfEJOogbvVmbOXFJ2tlnIUb38pYpKkqw_eE/s1600/2015+NMWOB+Exterior+Cover+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPa8PZU1F567cj02wTF0hFa353Wh2nWA4PdnQ84C2a3wWpuAqloT_4Hz_EBdHVhMtPn8NgqsmYeM44SsQGsD3kTTWBOzw3RP-tYNJ36DBjfEJOogbvVmbOXFJ2tlnIUb38pYpKkqw_eE/s1600/2015+NMWOB+Exterior+Cover+Final.jpg" height="320" title="National Minority and Women-Owned Business Directory from DIR" width="235" /></a></div>
DIR is pleased to announce that the 46th edition of its annual "<a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/ProductDetail/74" target="_blank">National Minority and Women-Owned Business Directory</a>" ($169.00, 700 pages, ISBN 1-885786-63-8) is hot off the press. (<a href="http://smartset.com/" target="_blank">Smart Set's</a> presses, actually, a small business here in the NE Minneapolis Arts District.) This go-to guide lists certified MBE/WBEs in th USA.<br />
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DIR has been publishing this book since we were founded in 1968. Originally called "Black Business Directory," this directory is a unique guide that helps diverse-owned suppliers walk the talk and support their peers, while it also connects supplier diversity professionals with the certified suppliers they're looking for to supplement their supplier diversity initiative.<br />
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Over 7500 businesses profiles are listed, organized by category and state. A helpful keyword index is also included.<br />
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Order today at www.DiversityInfoResources.com > Products/Seminars.Mktg at Diversity Information Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05335630721577635905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-25957216349496939162014-11-11T09:40:00.002-06:002014-11-11T09:40:25.539-06:00Congratulations to DIR client, Chrysler Group, that was named NMSDC "Company of the Year"Chrysler Group, a longstanding DIR client, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/DE59299.htm" target="_blank">was named NMSDC's "Company of the Year"</a>. Why? How about these stats for starters:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Chrysler Group's supplier diversity goals require that 16.5 percent of the Company's Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier procurement be sourced to certified minority suppliers.</li>
<li>Chrysler Group itself spent $2.1 billion with approximately 200 minority suppliers in 2013.</li>
<li>More than $52 billion has been purchased from minority-owned suppliers since 1983.</li>
</ul>
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Congratulations on being recognized for a world-class, and inspirational supplier diversity initiative. Thank you for your ongoing work to "drive supplier diversity success"!DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-19975950167334237092014-11-11T09:30:00.002-06:002014-11-11T09:30:27.628-06:00Stats and information on why SMEs add a greater return on buying operations ... even on a global scale. Thanks to Procurement Leaders blog for this <a href="http://www.procurementleaders.com/blog/my-blog--tim-burt/2014/11/06/communication-key-to-driving-value-out-of-sme-suppliers" target="_blank">insightful article</a> on SMEs (Small Minority Enterprises):<br />
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"[SMEs] open up opportunities in terms of access to innovations, which can help boost market share while, importantly for procurement, they have also been proven to deliver a greater return on purchasing activities.<br />
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Research by The Hackett Group found that those companies who have an established supplier diversity programme in place tend to generate a 133% greater return on their buying operations than those that don’t."DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-28042680986331563372014-11-11T09:03:00.001-06:002014-11-11T09:03:50.338-06:00Jesse Jackson—Why Diversity in Silicon Valley MattersSupplier diversity, along with diversity in the talent pool, needs to improve in Silicon Valley. Jackson brings great stats and insights to the discussion table here.<br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BfhyaHeqkck" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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<br />DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-74117457010661346082014-09-23T10:24:00.001-05:002014-09-23T10:24:31.821-05:00DIR client, Chrysler Group, has a Matchmaker Program Celebrating 15 Years Creating Value for Minority Businesses and Communities<br /><br />Wondering what a corporate matchmaking event is all about? Check out what DIR's client, Chrysler Group, does. Must be working great as they're celebrating their 15th year of holding these sessions! <br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The matchmaker provides minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses access to Chrysler Group's Tier 1 suppliers and to decision makers in the Company's procurement organization. The program has generated more than $2.1 billion in new business opportunities for exhibitors since 2000."</blockquote>
<a href="http://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/2014/09/18/chrysler-groups-matchmaker-program-celebrates-15th-year-creating-value-for-mino-a-557085.html#.VCGP4Ji7hmU.blogger">Chrysler Group's Matchmaker Program Celebrates 15th Year Creating Value for Minority Businesses and Communities</a>Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-26806498474311616252014-08-05T11:19:00.001-05:002014-08-05T11:19:55.120-05:00An impressive panel of Supplier Diversity experts brought together by the FCC.DIR took the time to listen to this impressive panel of Supplier Diversity experts and recommends that you do, too. The FCC‘s Office of Communications Business Opportunities (“OCBO”) hosted a Supplier Diversity Conference and Workshop focusing on private sector business opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses on July 30, 2014. <br />
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"Representatives from private industry, specifically telecommunications and technology firms (Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, Comcast, and Microsoft) discussed their organizations’ contracting procedures and provided insight on how small businesses should navigate the procurement process generally."</blockquote>
From approx. 18 to 26 minutes <span style="color: #999999;">[18-26M; all times mentioned are approximate!]</span>, each executive recaps the process to join in the consideration for future business.<br />
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At about 38M, AT&T and Verizon spend considerable time talking about specific future opps.<br />
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The importance of Second Tier opportunity and reporting is mentioned at 57M; comments on the rather impermeable advertising industry start at 61M; "Do's and Don'ts" are at 76M including the importance of supplier branding at 80M.<br />
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Highlights include candid, but pointed, words of advice to small and diverse-owned businesses including:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Be Strategic: research and be aware of future opportunities and directions a corporation is headed; make sure you're in alignment</li>
<li>Tailor your value proposition to each corporation; supplier diversity teams can help you navigate through this process (at about 24 min.)</li>
</ul>
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Here's the link. It's a fantastic 90 minutes of free! expertise on breaking in to major corporations. Please recommend and pass along. Thank you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fcc.gov/events/2014-fcc-supplier-diversity-conference-and-workshop-small-minority-and-women-owned-business" target="_blank">FCC hosted Supplier Diversity Panel</a>Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-73006349145112054532014-07-03T12:07:00.000-05:002014-07-03T12:07:08.014-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">As DIR celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2013, we connected with founders, early supporters, past and current corporate clients and the diverse-owned businesses we've helped along the way. This video recaps how our mission to be advocates</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">for supplier diversity has helped stay our path while driving supplier diversity success. Thanks to DIR's Board of Directors for their continued leadership, experience and guidance! For more information on DIR's history and its current client list, visit <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.DiversityInfoResources.com</a></span></div>
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DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-10440858875752717262014-06-09T12:41:00.002-05:002014-06-09T12:41:43.451-05:00DIR's Board Member, Lesa Rivers-Supplier Diversity Director for Staples, Named a Top Woman in Power Impacting Diversity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU17wwgTIGJ8B_gYb3GTm4rcSMZHPmnpIbWx3rRUc760k74L-qWkmxq4fFX3WhfzywMivVlmJl53tmcZkiab7zV8irgwcjnFuzYp0fhti5-KSa4H1_BWymlfX4ZrWTNrKkTD08GrxpGo_5/s1600/LesaRivers.Staples.300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU17wwgTIGJ8B_gYb3GTm4rcSMZHPmnpIbWx3rRUc760k74L-qWkmxq4fFX3WhfzywMivVlmJl53tmcZkiab7zV8irgwcjnFuzYp0fhti5-KSa4H1_BWymlfX4ZrWTNrKkTD08GrxpGo_5/s1600/LesaRivers.Staples.300.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesa Rivers, Staples<br />Supplier Diversity Director</td></tr>
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2014 Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity by DiversityPlus Magazine:</div>
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<li>Gladys Lopez, Manager, Supply Chain Inclusion Initiative, American Express</li>
<li>Monette Knapik, Director of Strategic Procurement, CVS Caremark</li>
<li>Marcella McCullough, Manager, Supplier Diversity, Ford Motor Company</li>
<li>Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director, Global Supplier Diversity Programs/Government Relations, Northrop Grumman</li>
<li>Shari Francis, HUB Merchandising Manager, Office Depot</li>
<li>Christina Morrow, Sr. Manager, Purchasing & Supplier Diversity, Ricoh Americas Corporation</li>
<li>Sonia Mercado, M/W/DBE Liaison, Schiavone Construction Co. LLC</li>
<li>Joyce Christanio, Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity, Sprint</li>
<li>Jamie Crump, Director of Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Diversity, United Rentals</li>
<li>Kathy Homeyer, Director, Supplier Diversity, UPS</li>
<li>Bonnie Wong, Founder and President, Asian Women in Business</li>
<li>Teresa Whalen LeFevre, Vice President and Manager of Supplier Diversity, Comerica Bank</li>
<li>Michelle L. Taylor, Diversity Procurement Director, Cummins</li>
<li>Jacqueline Taylor, Diversity Supplier Development Director, Dakkota Integrated Systems, LLC.</li>
<li>Sherrie Duncan, Manager, Supplier Diversity, Duke Energy</li>
<li>Deborah R. Pickens, Director of Supplier Diversity, Eaton</li>
<li>Heidi C. Morgan, Vice President Business Needs – Hospitality, Leisure and Retail Brands, Foodbuy, LLC.</li>
<li>Stacey Key, President and CEO, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC)</li>
<li>Debra Voss, Manager of Supplier Diversity, International Paper</li>
<li>Valerie Coyazo, Supplier Diversity Manager, Kansas City Power & Light</li>
<li>Natalie Cortes, U.S. Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Pearson</li>
<li>Dawn Mitchell, Executive Director of Supplier Diversity, Saatchi & Saatchi</li>
<li><b>Lesa Rivers, Director, Supplier Diversity, Staples</b></li>
<li>Melissa Persia Oliver, Founder, Odyssey IP</li>
<li>Dr. Tendai Ndoro, CEO/Founder, Strategy Leadership Institute in Private & Public Affairs, SLIPPA (Strategy Leadership Institute in Private & Public Affairs)</li>
</ul>
From its press release: DiversityPlus Magazine is
pleased to announce the 2014 Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity award
winners. The women are honored in the May/June issue of DiversityPlus Magazine
as the most dedicated and innovative leaders in the diversity space. The
honorees have worked tirelessly to continue the progress that has been made to
date in developing diverse work forces and supply chains. To achieve their
goals, they developed a host of new approaches to integrate diversity and
inclusion throughout entire organizations. The Women in Power strive to promote
supportive business cultures and bring to the forefront the diverse talent and
suppliers who can play a vital role in improving corporate competitiveness.<br />
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One of the things that stands out about the 2014 Women in
Power Impacting Diversity is that they have taken the effort to integrate
diversity in their organizations to a new level. In the past, they focused on
designing the infrastructures needed like supply chain databases and launching
Tier 2 programs. The last year saw a remarkable level of activity that involved
more internal and external outreach beyond CEOs and top leadership and beyond
databases. This reflects a maturity in diversity programs and is proof that
many of the programs are ready for expansion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Women in Power reached out to the organizational
members in positions that can most dramatically impact the development of a
culture supportive of corporate and supply chain diversity. They regularly met
one-on-one with brand managers and department supervisors to educate them on
the connection between diversity and competitiveness, sustainability, and
profitability. They introduced suppliers to department supervisors or plant
managers and brought together suppliers who could form joint solutions. The
honorees developed summits and networking events and arranged for time for
face-to-face meetings between corporate decision-makers and suppliers. Small
businesses owned by women and minorities were given customized assistance so
they could better compete and succeed. Experienced suppliers were connected
with diverse suppliers. The Women in Power also assisted small businesses that
may or may not end up doing business with their respective organizations.
Underlying their efforts is a belief that helping any MWBE helps all MWBEs by
advancing diversity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A broad range of industries is represented, and the women
leaders customized their approaches. Examples include the development of a
diverse business products catalogue and a program to promote diverse retail
pharmacies. The industries represented include energy, construction, heavy
equipment and engines, office supplies, parcel delivery services, financial,
manufacturing, technology, pharmacies, and many more. The nonprofits are
represented also, including the Georgian Minority Supplier Development Council
and Asian Women in Business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All the Women in Power donate time to community
organizations, councils and Chambers of Commerce. The proof of the success of
the 2014 Women in Power is that their programs have evolved from basic starts
to ones guiding decision-making. Each year, diversity principles become more
embedded in corporations and society, and it is largely due to the efforts of
people like these women. It is with great honor that DiversityPlus Magazine
introduces the Top 25 2014 Women in Power Impacting Diversity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The May/June issue of DiversityPlus Magazine will be distributed at the Women´s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) 2014 National Conference & Business Fair to be held in Philadelphia, PA on June 23-25, 2014. The Women in Power Impacting Diversity awardees will also be featured in the eMagazine version of DiversityPlus, distributed to more than 121,000 readers located in the United States, Europe, and 7 other countries. The 25 winners will be featured on the DiversityPlus website for one year to ensure all readers have an opportunity to learn what the women in leadership positions accomplished in the diversity space. They share their experiences to encourage people in other organizations to assume the mantle of change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DiversityPlus Magazine issued a call for nominations to its subscribers. The nominations were reviewed by DiversityPlus Magazine researchers and editors to determine the nominees exhibiting uncompromising effort to create opportunities for diverse businesses and talent. The winnowing process was difficult because all the nominees gave tirelessly of themselves in their organizations and communities to integrate diversity at all levels. The final Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity are those who designed innovative approaches and have experienced exceptional success. They are standard bearers who developed best practices that are being implemented in corporations around the world.</div>
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DiversityPlus magazine is one of the nation´s leading
diversity publications. The rapidly growing subscriber base targets minority
suppliers and corporate purchasing and supplier diversity executives at firms
worldwide. For more information about the 2014 Women in Power Impacting
Diversity or DiversityPlus magazine, visit <a href="http://www.diversity.com/">www.diversity.com</a>. </div>
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DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-65837823677007317782014-06-02T14:41:00.000-05:002014-06-02T14:41:04.752-05:00Too early to end the early bird special!Last week after Memorial Day it was a short week for a lot of business people. It was too early to end the "Early Bird" savings for DIR's "Best Practices in Supplier Diversity Strategies and Initiatives" Seminar per many colleagues who called for an extension.<br />
<br />
We're pleased to extend the special rate for an additional work week! The Early Bird Special, reflecting a $50 savings, will now end on June 6, 2014.<br />
<br />
Take advantage of this timing and register today. For details, please visit DIR's <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Products/EducationalSeminars" target="_blank">Web site</a>, or click <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/Content/files/2014BP.Final.flier.lowrez.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> to see the brochure. Hope to meet you in St. Louis!<br />
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<br />DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-52909432020057117362014-05-30T09:03:00.002-05:002014-05-30T09:03:45.317-05:00Community Level Networking for Diverse SuppliersWe think it's always a good thing to hear from your peers. This article in the <i>Houston Chronicle</i> includes some first person observations from exhibitors at the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance Business Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This closing statement rings true: "The main thing is to try to keep your name in lights."<br />
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Keeping your name 'in lights' also means being sure you are registered in a major corporation's supplier database. For a list of corporation who use DIR's online data management tool, click <a href="http://www.diversityinforesources.com/About/CorporateClients" target="_blank">here</a>. Meanwhile, good luck with your community networking!<br />
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<a href="http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Small-business-owners-seek-clients-big-companies-5514730.php" target="_blank">http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Small-business-owners-seek-clients-big-companies-5514730.php</a>DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-10814964290142176252014-05-12T10:17:00.000-05:002014-05-12T10:40:37.772-05:00DIR congratulates Novant Health, a client and a supporting Board of Director's member ...for being recognized nationally for its diversity programs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0yswz7YPF-XcumHazRJZTvgj6mQ7ZMXVu9rP0SlpqatkYd2-_gBH9K_70KVzYTqXgRiQSJMWI5xMi2-cdscYNWfZY9XPJAVAcSPhs1kz0_JyEjauy_2Cu2OZ4tWANSArH41H88qxOvdw/s1600/Novant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0yswz7YPF-XcumHazRJZTvgj6mQ7ZMXVu9rP0SlpqatkYd2-_gBH9K_70KVzYTqXgRiQSJMWI5xMi2-cdscYNWfZY9XPJAVAcSPhs1kz0_JyEjauy_2Cu2OZ4tWANSArH41H88qxOvdw/s1600/Novant.jpg" height="43" width="200" /></a></div>
From a recent press release, DIR learned that Novant Health has been named one of the 2014 Top 10 Hospitals and Health Systems in the nation by DiversityInc., the country’s leading source for advancing and recognizing excellence in diversity management. <span style="color: blue;">Novant Health debuts at No. 3, joining some of the country’s most prestigious healthcare systems including Cleveland Clinic (5th) and Mayo Clinic (8th). (To note: Cleveland Clinic also utilizes SupplierGATEWAY's data management portal. SupplierGATEWAY is DIR's tech partner.) </span><br />
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The ranking uses exhaustive research to look at:<br />
<ul>
<li>Talent pipeline: workforce breakdown, recruitment, diameter of existing talent, structures</li>
<li>Equitable talent development: employee resource groups, mentoring, philanthropy, movement, fairness</li>
<li>CEO/leadership commitment: accountability for results, personal communications, visibility</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Supplier diversity*: amount spent with companies owned by people from underrepresented groups, accountability, support</span></li>
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“At Novant Health, there is a strong focus on health equity and ensuring that patients, families, communities, employees and stakeholders are respected and heard,” said Deborah P. Ashton, PhD, vice president and chief diversity officer. “Diversity is owned from the executive team through each employee to ensure that our patients’ healthcare experience is remarkable.” <br />
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About Novant Health: Novant Health is a four-state integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient centers and hospitals that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to our communities. <span style="color: blue;">Novant Health is one of the top 25 integrated health systems in the United States and was named a top 50 “Best Places for Diverse & Women Managers to Work” by Diversity MBA Magazine. For more information, please visit www.NovantHealth.org</span><br />
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About DiversityInc: DiversityInc’s mission is to bring education and clarity to the business benefits of diversity. The 2014 Top 50 Companies for Diversity results are featured on <a href="http://www.diversityinc.com/">www.diversityinc.com</a><br />
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*Mr. Kevin J. Price, MBA, MHA is Novant Health's Director, Supplier Diversity & Performance. He is also a DIR Board Member. About Mr. Price: Price joined Novant Health in 2006. He is responsible for diversifying the procurement spend base by developing and implementing Novant Health’s Supplier Diversity and Development initiative. Working with various lines of business, Price identifies certified and qualified diverse suppliers, ensuring that they are given an opportunity to compete for Novant Health’s business. As a result of his efforts, Novant Health has increased its diverse supplier spend by 340% utilizing almost 400 diverse suppliers. His latest initiative is the refinement of the Tier II program and encouraging more majority/minority joint ventures. In addition, he monitors and reports the performance of all suppliers within the Supply Chain.</div>
Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-49803348551267238582014-05-02T08:51:00.000-05:002014-05-02T08:55:13.710-05:00Spotlighting DIR's client: The Home Depot<div class="tr_bq">
The Home Depot utilizes SupplierGATEWAY, DIR's technology partner, and DIR to manage its online supplier diversity data. On <i>Diversity and Commerce's</i> web site, The Home Depot is featured in <a href="http://diversityandcommerce.biz/the-home-depot-builds-its-supplier-diversity-program-with-help-from-supplie-p965-104.htm" target="_blank">this helpful article</a> about their Supplier Diversity Initiative. It's a terrific introduction to the reasons why some companies choose to pursue a robust supplier diversity plan. Read more below:</div>
<blockquote>
<a href="http://diversityandcommerce.biz/the-home-depot-builds-its-supplier-diversity-program-with-help-from-supplie-p965-104.htm" target="_blank">"We tell our diverse suppliers we respect them and are committed to the communities they care about," says the supplier diversity directorThe Home Depot (Atlanta, GA) began its formal supplier diversity program in 2003, says Michelle Sourie Johnson, the company's supplier diversity director. That was "primarily because of a shift in our customer base," she explains. "We were looking at increasing numbers of women and minority customers and the increased spending power they had in the marketplace. It made sense to bring in more MBEs and WBEs. ...."</a></blockquote>
DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-57178612484527169882014-03-31T10:11:00.000-05:002014-03-31T10:11:04.010-05:00Informative video of UPMC's supplier diversity outreach eventThe University of Pittsburgh's Medical Center held a Supplier Diversity outreach event at the end of March, 2014. <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/the-pulse/2014/03/200-attend-upmc-supplier-diversity-event.html" target="_blank">This video</a> captures the energy there! Thank you for sharing, UPMC.DIR Marketing Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239522355310769926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-32871615357548510562014-03-26T10:27:00.002-05:002014-03-26T10:27:54.467-05:00DIR's take on "Why Attend?" WBENC 2014<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Women's Business Enterprise National Council offers a variety of ways to connect to their dynamic network of WBEs (Women's Business Enterprises) and Corporate supporters. The pinnacle of this networking happens during their national conference, however. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This year's conference is in Philadelphia, PA on June 22-25, 2014. A projected attendance of 3,000+ put it at a grand, but manageable size to navigate for networking opportunities and workshops. It certainly is the largest event of its kind in the nation for women business
owners. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This year, over 300 exhibitors will fill the Business Fair floor showcasing their
products and services. Exhibitors include WBEs themselves who wish to do business with like-minded companies, and corporations who want to encourage WBEs to do business with them via their Supplier Diversity initiatives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Supplier Diversity is about economic growth. </b>Corporations understand that broadening their supplier base brings flexibility, cost-efficiency and innovation. Sometimes a diverse-owned businesses is introduced to a major corporation by doing business with a prime (a majority-owned, larger business who sub-contracts) and sometimes a corporation chooses to mentor and invest in a diverse-business enterprise directly, enabling you to provide services/products in the future. (Here's a <a href="http://www.mbnusa.biz/dell/" target="_blank">LINK</a> to an article in "Minority Business News" about Dell's Suppler Diversity staff and their concerns.) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Economic growth is the best reason for a WBE to attend this national conference. By attending you'll:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">learn from peers: hear stories that resonate with your own experiences</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">support your peers: share stories that will educate others</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">network, possibly even attend a face-to-face matchmaking session, with corporate representatives: you are the face of your company ... smile and share it!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">learn from case-study sessions, about what to learn from failing (always important!) and how others walked a road of success</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">meet allies: sometimes it takes a village to approach a corporation; team up and try out</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">learn jargon: every industry has it, you want to understand it</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">DIR encourages WBEs who are ready to explore working with a bigger client base to attend. For more information, visit <a href="http://conf.wbenc.org/" target="_blank">WBENC's site</a>.</span></div>
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Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-46391053417927053632014-03-21T12:21:00.001-05:002014-03-21T12:23:23.901-05:00Taking the step from Supplier Diversity to Supplier DevelopmentSupplier Diversity industry magazine, <i>MBN Texas</i>, published an article on the impending need of corporations to step beyond a Supplier Diversity initiative into Supplier Development. We <a href="http://mbntexas.biz/supplier-diversity-must-shift-to-supplier-development-p308-90.htm" target="_blank">link to the article</a>, but also highlight the following excerpts because our annual seminars, "Building Strategic Phases of a Supplier Diversity Process" and "Best Practices in Supplier Diversity Strategies and Initiatives" typically address this concern by sharing case studies and real-life examples. To learn more about DIR Seminars for Corporate Executives, see links on the left of this blog, or visit DIR's web site: DiversityInfoResources.com<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>"Visionary executives see much of that supply business coming back to their home countries and are developing the suppliers that will replace offshore sources.”</li>
<li>"Over the next two years, Verchot foresees a continued, steady growth in corporations, first-tier suppliers and government agencies that have goals and dedicate some resources to supplier diversity efforts. "This [growth] is really driven by the growing understanding of the changing demographics in the United States. But, what I’ll be most interested in seeing is how many of these corporations, first-tier suppliers and government agencies develop and implement a strategic approach to minority supplier development,” he said. "That’s the much harder and more complex challenge and the only way that we will significantly move the needle when it comes to growing the size of large numbers of minority-owned businesses.”</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://mbntexas.biz/supplier-diversity-must-shift-to-supplier-development-p308-90.htm"></a>Raunt and Ravehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742838535479665658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028920729256701467.post-65420848262507832152014-01-23T10:11:00.000-06:002014-03-20T15:51:36.300-05:00From Rick Hughes of Procter and Gamble ... Innovation, Investment, Enabling ... 3 great reasons for diversity in the supply chain.<div class="H174" style="background-color: white; color: #231f20; font-family: tradegothiccondensedbold20latin1, arial; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><h1 class="IL H174" style="display: inline; font-size: 22pt; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; word-spacing: normal;">"A Diverse Approach To Supplier Engagement" </h1><br />
<span class="N174" style="color: black; font-family: 'franklin Gothic book', urwfranklingothicbooklatin1, arial; font-size: 10pt; word-spacing: normal;">15-Jan-14 09:44</span></div><div class="N174 WYSEdit" style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: 'franklin Gothic book', urwfranklingothicbooklatin1, arial; font-size: 10pt; width: 630px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="WYSEdit"></span><br />
<div style="padding: 0px;"><span class="WYSEdit"><em>In this guest post, Procurement Leaders invites Procter & Gamble CPO Rick Hughes, to look at supplier diversity - why it's important and how to demonstrate value from the initiative.</em></span></div><span class="WYSEdit"> <div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">As procurement professionals we are constantly creating, managing, transitioning and connecting our supply chains and supply chain partners in innovative ways to meet the needs of our customers and consumers. Aside from the traditional expectations of cost; quality; service & responsiveness and innovation we should all be looking for how to best infuse diversity in our supply networks, just as we seek to have diverse employee bases in our companies.</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">It has been proven that diverse teams of employees can out-perform homogeneous teams. Having a diverse employee base, which mirrors the pool of recruiting talent for a company, is an objective for any company of scale. This principle also applies to our supply networks. As procurement leaders we must ensure this is recognised by the organisations we lead, as well as by our non-procurement colleagues in other functions and disciplines.</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">Diversity is often construed narrowly, to consider only visible diversity like color or ethnic background. Considering diversity of supply on a much broader scale, however, enables breadth and depth in the supply chain that is supportive of the mandates we all have from the business units we support. Small companies (versus large multinationals) are often more responsive, and can innovate and iterate quickly.</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">In addition to this value add, there is another element of diverse supply bases to consider – that of investment in the employees and communities where the supply partners live and work. While this is an objective of many/most corporations, minority owned, women owned, small corporations disproportionately invest in their employees, their families and their communities.</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">I visited an Alaskan native corporation in the US to see firsthand what the company was doing to improve the lives of their employees and their communities. The profits of the corporation were shared among the owners (who were the Alaskan native tribal members) and used to strengthen communities who were struggling from loss of fishing revenue resulting from the growth of commercial fisheries. Another company in western China was sharing its profits among a remote village to provide basic necessities of life like clean water and decent housing.</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">There are many examples of small/ medium-sized companies enabling growth and business development over years or even decades. A third supplier we work with is celebrating 20 years in business (and the same time in supplying P&G). This small but growing firm has provided not only contract manufacturing services, but has expanded to now include promotional design and execution, promotional materials management, and has partnered with a large multinational to expand into customisation and display building. All the while, the employee base has grown and developed into loyal consumers of the products for which they provide services.</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">This last element, of enabling individuals and families to purchase consumer products, is a unique opportunity and advantage to B2C companies like P&G. It makes diversity of supply not only the right thing to do from a supply view, but also a business decision that makes sense. For us, supply diversity is part of ‘responsible sourcing’, which includes other elements of supply management like stewardship, environmental sustainability and social responsibility & compliance.</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">As procurement leaders, when we review our supply chains and the value and capabilities they bring to our business, we must ensure we do so with a focus towards partner diversity in those chains. Where that diversity is lacking, leaders must drive the change we want to occur, champion the small firms, the un-tried supply potential, and ensure that opportunities for new suppliers are considered. We never know when the next Intel or Microsoft is being formed, and a diverse supply base can bring new capabilities and competencies to help drive our innovation, sales, and profits."</div><div style="padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px;">**original source: http://www.procurementleaders.com/blog/my-blog--guest-blog/a-diverse-approach-to-supplier-engagement**</div></span></div>Mktg at Diversity Information Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05335630721577635905noreply@blogger.com0