DIR's 2012 Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide

DIR publishes three annual print publications as part of our mission to "Drive Supplier Diversity Success". One is the 20th Edition of the "Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide". For Corporations, this publication provides a road map for answering Diverse Supplier questions and gives an overview to SD professionals of the many resources available to assist in developing a comprehensive SD program. For Suppliers, the book is also a road map, providing detailed explanations of local, national--even international--resources available for becoming a certified diverse business.

Here's a sneak peek at what's inside this valuable, time-saving resource:

Eighteen (18!) sections explain functions of and contacts for the following departments and resources that intersect with the Supplier Diversity industry:
1.  Legislation
2.  US Small Business Administration (SBA)
3.  Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
4.  General Services Administration (GSA)
5.  Department of Defense (DoD)
6.  Department of Transportation (DoT)
7.  Department of the Treasury
8.  Department of Veterans Affairs
9.  Federal Small Disadvantages/Women-Owned Business Utilization/Compliance
10. Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones)
11. Women's Business Resources
12. Certifying Organizations
13. City and State Diverse Supplier Programs
14. Private Sector
15. Historical Black Colleges and Universities
16. Diverse Supplier Directories and Databases
17. 2012 Calendar of Events, Trade Shows, Seminars/Workshops
18. Minority and Women Press
Detailed Index 

Numerous explanations of industry jargon and trends can be found within the sections. Also, answers to FAQs including: "How do I know if my company is a small business under SBA's guidelines?" The answer is found on page 11, in the SBA section:

BUSINESS SIZE DETERMINATION GUIDELINES
To determine whether a company is a large or small business, use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code at <www.census.gov/epcd/naics02/naico602.htm>. After determining the NAICS code, refer to the industry size standards published by the Small Business Administration at <www.sba.gov/size/sizetable2002.html> to determine whether a company is classified as a large or small business UNDER THAT NAICS CODE. For additional information on determining business size, please refer to the SBA Guide to Definitions of Small Business at <www.sba.gov/size/indexguide.html>.

Another FAQ DIR hears from Suppliers is "How do I find a Certifying Organization?" which is addressed in Section 12: Certifying Organizations:

All web site and contact information is listed for domestic Certifying Organizations including but not limited to the: National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), The Small Business Administration (SBA)'s 8(a) Business Development Program and its Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program. International Certifying Organizations including but not limited to: WEConnect International, other WEConnect organizations in Canada, Europe, India, China, Peru, and Chile, and The Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC).

DIR's "2012 Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide" is an easy-to-use, comprehensive guide of diverse supplier business resources in the public and private sectors. It's a road map to the myriad of organizations involved with supplier diversity. Members of DIR's Board of Directors, who assist in creating this publication, were key in identifying its need.