Free event to help Minority- and Women-owned businesses, corporate supplier diversity

NEW NORTH, October 12, 2018 – A free event – the Northeast Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Symposium – is being held to educate Minority- and Women-owned businesses on how they can receive MBE or WBE certification.  Corporations also can learn how to develop or enhance a supplier diversity program at the symposium.

The Northeast Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Symposium is Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Thrivent Financial, 4321 North Ballard Road in Appleton. Online pre-registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/DiversitySuppliers.

Ethnic-minority businesses are eligible to receive certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) through the North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (NCMSDC), and women-owned businesses can be nationally certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC).  With either of these designations, companies are in a unique position to promote and market their services to prospective corporate buyers.

Corporations seeking to develop a supplier diversity program, or to enhance an existing one, also are invited to attend the symposium.  They will learn how the NCMSDC and WBDC can be a liaison between their purchasing teams and minority-/women-owned businesses.

“I am excited about the Northeast Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Awareness event we are hosting at Thrivent on November 6,” says Don Keeley, vice president of corporate operations services at Thrivent Financial.  “This event will be a great opportunity for local business leaders, and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, to come together to advance our mutual understanding of the benefits both to our businesses and communities when we intentionally showcase a commitment to supplier diversity!”

On-site registration for the event begins at 8 a.m., followed by welcoming remarks at 8:30.  The keynote speech – “What is Supplier Diversity and why does it matter?” – takes place at 9 a.m.  Panel discussions on corporate supplier diversity programs and MWBE/corporate partnerships follow at 9:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., respectively.  The event closes with networking opportunities.

Paula R. Ratliff, vice president and general manager of ManpowerGroup, Global Sales, states, “ManpowerGroup is honored to be part of the Northeast Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Symposium.  This event provides us another opportunity to partner in our community with local business leaders, MBE and WBEs. ManpowerGroup’s Supplier Diversity Initiative has been a critical part of our culture for over 20 years.

“By sharing our knowledge and resources with our diverse partners, we accelerate their growth and sustainability to ensure that we meet our clients’ diversity initiatives.  The end result is optimal client solutions and partnerships within a world of diverse and excellent talent!”

The event is sponsored by the North Central Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women’s Business Development Center, Thrivent Financial, ManPower Group, the Fox Cities Chamber and New North, Inc.

WHERE: Thrivent Financial

 4321 North Ballard Road; Appleton, Wis.

WHEN: 

Tuesday, November 6,2018

8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

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