Urban League highlighting importance of supplier diversity with Equal Opportunity Day events

The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City (ULOKC) is set to host its Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) events emphasizing the significance of supplier diversity. Scheduled for Nov. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City, the 45^th Annual EOD Awards Luncheon will facilitate a diverse dialogue among corporate and civic leaders, addressing the challenges of achieving equality while honoring equal opportunity advocates.

The event this year features a conversation with the Under Secretary of Commerce for the Minority Business Development Agency, the Honorable Donald R. Cravins, Jr. He will be discussing empowering and growing minority businesses.

A recent study conducted by Ernst and Young found that the distribution of business ownership in Oklahoma City is not proportional to the City’s racial population distribution. In general, businesses owned by people of color in Oklahoma City, and across benchmarks, have fewer employees and lower sales and revenue than those owned by white individuals.

This year’s EOD will focus on growing supplier diversity. The organization will also honor local diverse suppliers and celebrate outstanding diverse leaders with award categories including:

• Equal Opportunity Day Award – KTR Heating & Cooling
• Equal Opportunity Day Award – Cocina De Mino
• Russell M. Perry Award of Excellence – To be announced

In conjunction with EOD, ULOKC is also hosting two minority supplier business networking receptions on Monday, Nov. 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. These events will highlight ULOKC’s work to build partnerships with minority supplier businesses and larger businesses and corporations in the Oklahoma City area.

The networking receptions will provide the opportunity for minority businesses to connect with procurement agents, identify bidding opportunities to secure contracts for their business and network with other business owners. The Monday evening reception will also allow attendees to connect with Under Secretary Cravins.

Registration for the EOD luncheon is $150, and the networking receptions are free to attend.

For more information and to register for the events, visit the Urban League’s website.