DIR's 2012 Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide

DIR publishes three annual print publications as part of our mission to "Drive Supplier Diversity Success". One is the 20th Edition of the "Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide". For Corporations, this publication provides a road map for answering Diverse Supplier questions and gives an overview to SD professionals of the many resources available to assist in developing a comprehensive SD program. For Suppliers, the book is also a road map, providing detailed explanations of local, national--even international--resources available for becoming a certified diverse business.

Here's a sneak peek at what's inside this valuable, time-saving resource:

Eighteen (18!) sections explain functions of and contacts for the following departments and resources that intersect with the Supplier Diversity industry:
1.  Legislation
2.  US Small Business Administration (SBA)
3.  Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
4.  General Services Administration (GSA)
5.  Department of Defense (DoD)
6.  Department of Transportation (DoT)
7.  Department of the Treasury
8.  Department of Veterans Affairs
9.  Federal Small Disadvantages/Women-Owned Business Utilization/Compliance
10. Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones)
11. Women's Business Resources
12. Certifying Organizations
13. City and State Diverse Supplier Programs
14. Private Sector
15. Historical Black Colleges and Universities
16. Diverse Supplier Directories and Databases
17. 2012 Calendar of Events, Trade Shows, Seminars/Workshops
18. Minority and Women Press
Detailed Index 

Numerous explanations of industry jargon and trends can be found within the sections. Also, answers to FAQs including: "How do I know if my company is a small business under SBA's guidelines?" The answer is found on page 11, in the SBA section:

BUSINESS SIZE DETERMINATION GUIDELINES
To determine whether a company is a large or small business, use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code at <www.census.gov/epcd/naics02/naico602.htm>. After determining the NAICS code, refer to the industry size standards published by the Small Business Administration at <www.sba.gov/size/sizetable2002.html> to determine whether a company is classified as a large or small business UNDER THAT NAICS CODE. For additional information on determining business size, please refer to the SBA Guide to Definitions of Small Business at <www.sba.gov/size/indexguide.html>.

Another FAQ DIR hears from Suppliers is "How do I find a Certifying Organization?" which is addressed in Section 12: Certifying Organizations:

All web site and contact information is listed for domestic Certifying Organizations including but not limited to the: National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), The Small Business Administration (SBA)'s 8(a) Business Development Program and its Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program. International Certifying Organizations including but not limited to: WEConnect International, other WEConnect organizations in Canada, Europe, India, China, Peru, and Chile, and The Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC).

DIR's "2012 Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide" is an easy-to-use, comprehensive guide of diverse supplier business resources in the public and private sectors. It's a road map to the myriad of organizations involved with supplier diversity. Members of DIR's Board of Directors, who assist in creating this publication, were key in identifying its need.

Inc.com's article: "How to Get Rich on Government Work"

Although the title of this article grabs your attention quickly if you're a WOB, it also points out some great resources and common sense to landing Federal contracts: "Landing one of those contracts takes some investment ... it takes four tries at a federal contract before you win one ... the competition will only tougher as government budgets contract."

SHRM Research Spotlight: An Examination of Organizational Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

10/24/2011

This survey conducted by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) examined organizational commitment to diversity and inclusion. The survey explored who is responsible for implementing and leading diversity initiatives in the workplace, examined how diversity training budgets are faring in these uncertain times, looked at sexual orientation discrimination and gender identity policies,and other related topics.

Excerpt: Survey Findings . . .

Who is responsible for leading

diversity initiatives in the workplace?

Overall, 62% of organizations reported HR is

responsible for leading these efforts. A much

smaller percentage of organizations reported

that the president/ CEO (21%) and/or senior

management (20%) are implementing and

leading diversity initiatives.

Are organizations using internal

diversity groups? They do, though not at

high rates. Overall, 21% of organizations

reported using internal groups that focus on

diversity. Organizations with 2,500 to

24,999 employees (45%), those with 25,000

or more employees (48%), publicly owned forprofit

companies (34%) and government

agencies (30%) were more likely to have these

groups.

Even though internal diversity groups are not

widespread in the workplace, they provide

value to organizations. Among organizations

that have internal diversity groups, 72%

reported these groups were used to help

augment their organization’s business efforts.

What percentage of organizations

have sexual orientation discrimination

and gender identity/expression

policies? Overall, 64% of organizations

reported having either a formal (written) policy

or an informal policy that addresses sexual

orientation discrimination in the workplace.

A much smaller percentage of organizations

(21%) reported having a written policy that

addresses gender identity and/or gender

expression.

For more, visit the Web site: http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Documents/Diversity11.pdf

Congratulations to Kevin L. Bell, Senior Manager – Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC for being named “National Advocate of the Year” by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) for his leadership in promoting the growth of minority supplier spending and business development at the Company.

“This award represents the steadfast commitment Chrysler Group has toward developing and empowering minority-owned business and giving them a meaningful role in our supply chain,” Bell said. “Chrysler Group will continue to create opportunities for minority-owned businesses because supplier diversity is embedded in our DNA.”

We salute your efforts and are proud to partner with you and Chrysler's Diversity Supplier Development Dept.

Picture caption:

G. Jerome Harvey, President and CEO, Harvey Industries with Sig Huber, Director – Supplier Relations and Kevin Bell, Senior Manager – Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC at Chrysler Group’s 12th Annual Matchmaker event. Since Chrysler first launched the Matchmaker event in 1999, it has become a premier networking event in the automotive supplier diversity community. This year's event grew to more than 2,000 participants, including 270 minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and majority-owned Chrysler Group suppliers.

Walmart's interest in Women-Owned Businesses

Via the Spend Matters blog:

". . . in addition to the innovation small suppliers can provide, [a] real reason to invest in supplier diversity: building programs that stick over the long-term." A look at Walmart's journey in Supplier Diversity, in this case specifically working with woman-owned businesses. DIR hopes they have our National Minority and Women-Owned Business Directory to reference!