Why Supplier Diversity is Key

Having a diverse supplier base supports job growth and human capital that contributes to the economic well-being of our communities. Beyond compliances, we understand diversity promotes innovation and creativity, and we value uniqueness that warrants a competitive advantage. Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity are our guiding principles as we harness intercultural competence.

Many retailers support Supplier Diversity programs within their organizations.

The term “Supplier Diversity” has replaced the term “Minority Owned.” This change is meant to represent a broader classification of minority-owned companies, including women, veterans and those who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender). Companies supporting Supplier Diversity believe it is a corporate responsibility to represent their communities, to support minority-owned businesses, and give diverse suppliers a chance to work with national companies. These measures are company-based, not mandated by the government.

ServiceChannel’s Supplier Diversity Services (SDS) is committed to enhancing business opportunities for diverse contractors / suppliers within the repair and maintenance community. We do this by providing support services to our facilities management customers that help them meet the objectives of their respective supplier diversity programs. In addition, we help contractors who qualify get certified, verified and identified as diverse suppliers within our network. We are in the process of partnering with a diverse collection of suppliers and contractors. These are service providers who want to do business with companies with a robust Supplier Diversity program – or service providers who have a Supplier Diversity objective.

Retail and Restaurant facilities clients can easily find diverse suppliers in Fixxbook, our commercial contractor directory, via badging that indicates a contractor has been verified as one of the following:

• Minority-and-Women-Owned Enterprises (M/WBEs)

• Veteran and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (V/DVBEs)

• Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender Business Enterprises (LGBTBE)

When registering their business in the Fixxbook database, contractors have the option to identify themselves as a diverse supplier. Along with this designation, contractors must have the proper credentials to support their claim. If a contractor lacks the correct paperwork, our Director of Supplier Diversity, Don Keyes, can help them become verified.

How is your company integrating supplier diversity?

Don Keyes
Director, Supplier Diversity Services
ServiceChannel
sds@servicechannel.com