Welcome to CAMSC’s 12th annual Diversity Procurement Fair. This event, promoting supplier diversity (SD) in Canada gets better every year; and that is something to celebrate. But we can’t stand still. It is therefore fitting that “Accelerating Your Business to New Heights” is the theme because 2016 is about growth. Growth through strengthened relationships, tighter value proposition, proactive collaboration and focused outreach.
Preceding any growth is the need to benchmark where we are. In recent years, businesses have faced lower profits and changing strategies. While we expected a slight downward impact on SD growth, we have seen an increase. The dollars spent with certified suppliers has continued to grow. The value of inclusive procurement is evident and is a foundation for economic growth.
To build this growth, CAMSC collaborates with other partner organizations that benefit our stakeholders. These include: WBE Canada, WeConnect International in Canada, CGLCC, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs, Manitoba Metis Federation, the Black Business Initiative and the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, we hosted a successful inaugural collaborative supplier event with WBE Canada and CGLCC, with the second event to follow this fall. Watch for new joint initiatives.
We are also looking towards collaborative research on SD, which will propel CAMSC from beyond a business case scenario to one where we are part of a company’s business strategy and can recommend best SD practices.
We have been actively conducting countrywide outreach to promote how CAMSC benefits the economy and to grow membership. We continue to identify, certify and connect diverse suppliers to corporations. This past February, CAMSC held a successful Vancouver outreach event with similar events to take place in Winnipeg, Windsor, Halifax and potentially Saskatoon throughout the remainder of the year. We hope you can join us.
Remember, you are the front lines for growth. Your commitment ensures SD remains vital. The outcomes of significant SD activity will continue to accelerate business in a positive direction.
So, thank you for coming. Enjoy the workshops and the Meeting Marketplace where certified suppliers are introduced to potential corporate partners. A special thank you to our luncheon keynote Reginald Humphrey, Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity, General Motors – Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, for sharing his insights with us.
Last, but not least, thank you to the sponsors, partner organizations, and supplier and corporate members for making the Fair a reality.
Cassandra Dorrington
President and CEO