The UMDNJ Office of Supplier Diversity and Vendor Development is pleased to report that the 16th Annual UMDNJ Procurement Event and Luncheon was a huge success. The event was held at the Renaissance Woodbridge in Iselin, New Jersey on October 4, 2010.
The program, entitled “Reaching Out For Supplier Diversity” began with a welcome from Ernestine Watson, Assistant Vice President, Supplier Diversity, followed by a Supply Chain Update from Thomas Kenyon, Vice President, Supply Chain Management.
Guest Speaker for the Plenary Session was James Kocsi, District Director, US Small Business Administration, New Jersey District Office. Jim’s main subject was “The Small Business Jobs Act”, signed by President Obama on September 27.
Workshops offering more information about the UMDNJ supply chain process; contracts for construction as well as maintenance, repair and operations (MRO); IT and Telecommunications Services; and the request for proposal (RFP) process, risk and claims, contract management, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act were held. In addition, vendors had opportunities to participate in one-on-one sessions with UMDNJ purchasing staff and to register for New Jersey Small/Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise and US Small Business certification.
A luncheon featuring speaker Lynda Ireland, President & CEO, New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (“THE COUNCIL”) followed. Ms. Ireland joined “THE COUNCIL” as Executive Director in February 1996. In her first two years, she orchestrated a dynamic turn around for the organization, which is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). Lynda's strong organizational skills and entrepreneurial spirit infused new energy into The Council that generated a significant increase in corporate member activity and supplier involvement. Currently, The Council has over 200 Fortune 500 Corporate members and over 1200 minority business enterprises (“MBEs). The level of partnering between corporate members and Council-certified MBEs has increased under Ms. Ireland's administration because of the enhanced outreach and program expansion. Under her leadership, The Council, a multi-million dollar organization, achieved the highest honor in the NMSDC network – Council of the Year.
The purpose of the Procurement Event was to continue the UMDNJ outreach to the small and diversity vendor community to explore prospective business opportunities. Raffle prizes were also given.
In attendance were over three hundred fifty (approx.356) small and diversity business owners and representatives. UMDNJ continues to be a leader in supplier diversity.
Procurement Event Summary 2009
Procurement Event Summary 2008
Procurement Event Summary 2007
Procurement Event Summary 2006
