The City of Columbus increases purchasing spend with MBEs; announces Minority Plan Room opening
The City of Columbus recently issued its 2016-2018 Inclusion Report. It is a collection of workforce diversity recruitment strategies and supplier development implementations from each department
According to Mayor Andrew Ginther, “Through outreach and engagement, we want to increase the diverse pool of suppliers who compete for City contracting opportunities. An important part of this work will include the completion of the Disparity Study, expected later this summer, which will help us begin to form policies and procedures to help increase supplier diversity. But we have not been waiting for the results of the study to continue to move forward. “ he said.
“We still have work to do, but I am excited about the direction the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is going and my administration’s commitment to using inclusion as the lens through which we make all of our decisions. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion continues to introduce and implement best practices in supplier diversity that will promote stronger engagement within each City department, capacity building and supportive services and MWBE compliance and monitoring.” he said.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Department of Development and Department of Finance and Management with partner with the Ohio Business Development Center to operate a construction plan room. The Minority Plan Room will serve as a central hub for MWBE seeking support with certification, understanding contract guidelines and giving access to training workshops and networking events. The plan room will open July 1 at 1393 E. Broad St. Visit OhBDC.org for more information.
“We are committed to diversity, inclusion and most importantly, action, said Director Damita R. Brown. “Our success is predicated on bringing diverse ideas and perspectives to the table. As leaders in this space, it is our responsibility to support what differentiates us in a community where our inclusive mindset unites us.
The City of Columbus Inclusion Report can be found here: https://ohiombe.com/archives/12731
