The Power of Engagement: New Initiative Strengthens Ties With Minority Business Associations

FCA US LLC supplier diversity launched a new initiative on Feb. 20 aimed at connecting its purchasing organization with minority, women and veteran business associations by providing customized training, learning and development, and networking opportunities. Pictured here, Dr. Ken Harris, President and CEO of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, welcomes 50 certified African- American business owners to the Inaugural Black Supplier Engagement Forum held at FCA US headquarters in Michigan.
FCA US LLC supplier diversity launched a new initiative on Feb. 20 aimed at connecting its purchasing organization with minority, women and veteran business associations by providing customized training, learning and development, and networking opportunities. Pictured here, Dr. Ken Harris, President and CEO of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, welcomes 50 certified African- American business owners to the Inaugural Black Supplier Engagement Forum held at FCA US headquarters in Michigan.

The Power of Engagement: New Initiative Strengthens Ties With Minority Business Associations

FCA US LLC supplier diversity kicks off 2017 with a new initiative aimed at connecting its purchasing organization with minority, women and veteran business associations by providing customized training, learning and development, and networking opportunities.

The program came to life on Monday, Feb. 20 during the inaugural Black Supplier Engagement Forum at FCA US headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The event brought in more than 50 certified African-American business owners from the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce for a half-day program

with sessions led by representatives from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Plunkett and Cooney. Topics included succession planning and access to capital.

In 2017, FCA US spent nearly $3 billion with approximately 230 minority-, women- and veteran owned suppliers, representing over 8 percent of the Company’s total annual purchasing. Since 1983, the Company has purchased nearly $58 billion from diverse suppliers. FCA US supplier diversity goals require that up to 11.5 percent of a tier-one supplier’s buy be sourced to certified minority and women suppliers.

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