Purdue creates opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses

Buyers and prospective contractors will be paired in "speed dating" type interviews during the 2006 Matchmaker Connection that is timed in conjunction with Indiana Black Expo.

"Purdue is pleased and proud to co-sponsor this event that advances our goal of increased supplier diversity in an efficient and fruitful fashion," said Jesse L. Moore, director of supplier diversity development.

Purdue buyers have been attending the event for several years when it was still known as the Indiana Road Show.

"We make a lot of good contacts who we then invite to talk in detail with our purchasing agents," said Doug Sabel, director of procurement operations. "We've significantly increased the diversity of our list of potential suppliers."

Purdue is also aggressively pursuing construction companies. Last month in Indianapolis, Purdue brought several of its prime construction contractors together with more than 70 minority- and women-owned construction-related firms seeking subcontracting opportunities. The prime construction contractors who participate in the university's "Construction Connection" events often function in a mentoring role.

"There should be a wealth of opportunities to pursue and secure contracts that will allow the business people we met to grow their businesses," said Lewie Wallace, Purdue's construction superintendent. "Purdue is constructing several buildings now and more are planned for the near future. The university also is engaged in many renovation and repair projects across campus."

Purdue recently developed a database to keep better track of the minority- and women-owned businesses with which it has had contact. The university has also brought online a self-service, Web-based application that allows registered businesses to track vendor opportunities.

"We're growing great relationships," Moore said.

Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu

Sources: Jesse L. Moore, (765) 494-3739, jlmoore@purdue.edu

Doug Sabel, (765) 494-4186, dwsable@purdue.edu

Lewie Wallace, (765) 494-7342, ljwallace@purdue.edu

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

To the News Service home page