July 28 supplier diversity event to feature Box, panel

A new Chamber effort to help local businesses rethink their strategies and purchasing goals through diversifying their supplier base will launch later this month with an informational forum.

On July 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vast, the Chamber is hosting a kickoff luncheon for its Corporate Community Strategy, “The Impact of Supplier Diversity: The Business Case for OKC Companies.”

The event will feature a keynote by Karen Box, president of the Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council (SMSDC), whose mission is to create opportunities and an environment for minority business enterprises to grow and to actively add value for corporate members through positive business relationships. As SMSDC performs its commitment to certify, connect, develop, and advocate; the certified MBEs and corporate members develop and build relationships that positively influence their bottom line.

Box will share why diversifying the supplier base is an important decision not only for your company’s health but also the health of our community. With a global supply chain crisis, expanding your supplier options is smart business and ensures your company can withstand any future disruptions.

During the event, attendees will also hear from a panel which will discuss their first-hand, local perspective of diversifying suppliers and how that has impacted their business and the communities that make up our city. Panelists will include:

• Phil Busey, Sr., founder, chairman and CEO, Delaware Resource Group
• Angie Christopher, vice president of human resources, 180 Medical
• Nedra Dickson, global supplier diversity and sustainability managing director, Accenture
• Indria Hollingsworth, senior regional diversity, equity, and inclusion manager of the south-central region, JE Dunn Construction
• John Lopez, president, Lopez-Dorada Foods

Register for the event at okcchamber.com. Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers.

We appreciate the support of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benefactors: American Fidelity Assurance Company, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Devon Energy Corporation.