Certification

Supplier diversity is a business strategy that ensures a diverse supplier pool in the procurement of goods and services for any business or organization.  It emphasizes the creation of a diverse supply chain that includes diverse groups in the procurement plans of government, not-for-profits and private industry.  

Diversity certification is usually the first step in doing business with local municipalities, state or federal government agencies or corporations. Research shows that companies that embrace diversity are more profitable than those that don't.  A 2015 study conducted by The Hackett Group found that on average, supplier diversity programs added $3.6 million the bottom line for every $1 million in procurement operation costs. Socially conscious companies WANT to do business with companies with diversity certifications.  

"We view diversity not as a program but a cultural movement.  While gains can be slow moving and measurement less clear than other business metrics, we find the key is keeping the momentum going every single day.  Ultimately, it ends up as not something we check off a list but a cultural attribute we use to help us achieve our operational goals." - Neil Lenane, Progressive Insurance

Here is a short list of municipalities and corporations that have a commitment to working with diverse businesses:

• American Airlines
• APS
• Arizona Dept of Transportation (ADOT)
• Bank of America
• City of Phoenix
• City of Tucson
• PepsiCo Inc.
• Progressive Insurance
• SRP
• Toyota Corporation
• Wells Fargo Bank
• US Government