March 7, 2006

Purdue continues efforts to diversify its vendor base

The sessions, similar to those also sponsored by Purdue's Office of Supplier Diversity Development last October, will feature opportunities to meet with buyers and end users of various goods and services.

Karma Rodgers (left) and
Jesse Moore Jr.
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"Diversity plays a vital role in the state, national and global marketplace," said Jesse Moore Jr., manager of supplier diversity development. "Just as diversity enriches the educational process, diversifying the business process provides increased economic opportunities that benefit all Hoosiers."

Each of the two-hour sessions in Rawls Hall, Room 2070, will be devoted exclusively to a certain type of product or service:

• Construction, architectural, engineering and related services (9 a.m., March 13).

• Marketing, computer and IT services (1 p.m., March 13).

• Products and goods (9 a.m., March 14).

• Other professional services (1 p.m., March 14).

Participants can register for individual sessions by sending an e-mail to marta@purdue.edu or sharpea@purdue.edu. Those attending the sessions should bring three copies of their minority/women/disadvantaged business enterprise certification from the Indiana Department of Administration, marketing materials to share with buyers and users, and references of customers with whom they have a current or past business relationship.

Established in 2005, the Office of Supplier Diversity Development cultivates opportunities for qualified minority- and women-owned businesses to partner with Purdue. The office provides centralized services for Indiana minority and women business owners, including serving as a consultant on becoming a Purdue vendor, a liaison between external business owners and Purdue departments seeking goods and services, and a connection to Purdue entities that can assist business owners and entrepreneurs with business development ventures. The office also conducts outreach to advocacy organizations and maintains ongoing communication with minority and women business owners.

Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@aol.com

Source: Jesse Moore Jr., (765) 494-3739, jlmoore@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

A publication-quality photo is available at http://news.uns.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2006/supplier-diversity.jpg

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