Supplier Diversity Program

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The Michigan State University Supplier Diversity Program encourages business opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBE), woman-owned business enterprises (WBE), small businesses and other disadvantaged businesses. The program is led by Desiree Quinney, Purchasing Agent/Supplier Diversity Coordinator and sustained by the buying staff. The buying staff participates in outreach activities throughout the year as a means to meet new suppliers that can furnish quality products and services to Michigan State University in a timely and cost-effective manner. The buyers provide brochures on "How to Do Business with MSU", information on upcoming competitive bid opportunities and identify potential campus customers for the suppliers.

Michigan State University, through its Purchasing Department, is a corporate member of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council where a Purchasing Agent holds a seat on the Board of Directors. The Supplier Diversity Coordinator is a corporate member of the Michigan Women's Business Council. Buyers host informational booths at various organizations and annual trade shows as part of the Purchasing Department's outreach activities. Additionally, the Purchasing Department holds memberships in the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Board seat on the Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association and the Lansing Area Public Purchasing Group. The Supplier Diversity Coordinator participates on the Michigan Minority Business Development Council's Project One. These endeavors increase the pool of suppliers for competitive bids and support the local business economy.

To learn more about the Supplier Diversity Program, contact Desiree Quinney by email at quinney@msu.edu or by phone at 517-884-6159.

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