ISM’s Supplier Diversity Group (SDG) promotes and sanctions the formation of minority and women’s business development (MWBD) groups/committees at the local level. Our intent is to assist interested affiliates in setting up MWBD groups or committees to provide education and guidance to corporate purchasing managers as they implement and manage MWBD programs within their respective organizations.
These guidelines are patterned after the MWBD program sponsored by the New Jersey affiliate. Please keep in mind that interests and needs may vary within each affiliate, and the enthusiasm and capabilities of involved individuals will greatly affect the results.

•Identify a committed individual with leadership abilities. This person should be active in the local association, respected for his/her commitment to MWBD issues, and responsible for managing an effective program in his/her organization. He/she should be willing to commit time, energy, and resources toward the success of the group/committee. This individual can identify potential committee members via a survey using his/her knowledge and experience in the selection process.

•The group/committee should consist of 10 to 15 interested persons with corporate responsibility for minority/women’s business development. We suggest that the group include the executive director of the regional minority purchasing council, a representative from the state office of minority business development, and a liaison from the affiliate board. In addition, the president of the affiliate should sit as an ex officio member.

•The group/committee should choose the following officers: chair, vice chair, and secretary.

•The group/committee should meet at least monthly, rotating locations among members’ facilities. The secretary shall maintain and communicate minutes of each meeting to members and the board of directors.

There are several program ideas that could begin on a small scale and develop as interest grows:

•Designate one dinner program and forum with a theme focusing on minority/women’s business development issues.

•Expand the program to include seminars, one-half to a full day in length.

•Expand the full day seminars to qualify for one (1) C.P.M. point and include a networking session for minority and women’s business enterprises (MWBEs) and buyers with a prominent dinner speaker.

•Sponsor two or three programs annually, each with its own MWBD-related theme.

Additional Suggestions

•Invite outside speakers who are knowledgeable on the subject matter and well known for their commitment to supplier diversity. Contact NMSDC or WBENC and/or local councils as well as the SDG Board of Directors to identify speakers. It is important that each speaker be sensitive to difficulties encountered by MWBEs in securing business with major corporations and is prepared to discuss these issues.

•Plan networking events to optimize both MWBEs and members’ time. Choose invitees with the help of the regional council based on the MWBE’s qualifications as a supplier of the commodity/service.

•Attempt to include non-traditional suppliers ensuring that those selected have been identified as credible
MWBEs. The ISM general membership should identify respective needs through the committee with the goal of attempting to match these needs with the appropriate MWBE suppliers. Keep in mind that the M/WBE selection process is vital to the event’s success.

The mission of the SDG is to educate and assist in developing programs that foster meaningful business relationships with MWBEs. A subcommittee has been established to work with affiliate MWBD groups or committees, and members of the SDG Board of Directors are available as speakers.