2023 Supplier Diversity Expo Recap
October 10th was a day to remember as diverse businesses, U of M staff, and partner organizations convened at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
The University offered a variety of breakout sessions that informed and educated those who attended. LSE Architects, the largest Black-owned architecture firm in Minnesota, shared how minority owned firms can bring a transformative lens to design. University staff from Capital Project Management, U Market Services, and the Office for Supplier Diversity offered an introduction on how to do business with the University.
A highlight of the Supplier Diversity Expo is the Awards, Incentive, and Recognition (AIR) Awards Luncheon. The AIR Awards honor individuals, businesses, and U of M staff who have shown exemplary efforts in supporting supplier diversity. This year's honorees:
- For their support of the University’s supplier diversity initiatives and the Targeted Business Program, awards were presented to U Market & Printing Services Executive Director Michael Clements; Associate Vice President, Finance & Assistant CFO Michael Volna; and the Capital Project Management team.
- For the exemplary service provided to the University, targeted businesses Valdes Lawn Care & Snow Removal and Central Roofing were presented with awards.
- For their commitment to promoting supplier diversity on University contracts, majority-owned firms JE Dunn and Parameters were awarded.
- For continuing to support our targeted business community throughout the turbulent years of the pandemic, U of M offices within the Hubert Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Office for Information Technology, and the College of Continuing & Professional Studies were all recognized at the event.
Many thanks to those who were able to attend the 2023 Supplier Diversity Expo. We appreciate your support of supplier diversity at the U and in our community, and we look forward to see you all next year!
-Office for Supplier Diversity