The University Record, September 10, 1996
Diversity Trade Fair set for Sept. 17 at the League
Since January 1995 the U-M has purchased more than $50 million worth of goods and services from Michigan businesses owned by women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. While this amount far exceeds the goal of $30 million set by the University’s Purchasing Services for 1995 and the first half of 1996, the U-M continues to strive to increase its business with such vendors.
As a result, the University will hold its second annual Vendor Diversity Trade Fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 17 on the second floor of the Michigan League.
Representatives from some 60 businesses owned by women, minorities and individuals with disabilities will be available to meet with University personnel to discuss their departmental procurement needs.
“The trade fair is designed to provide these businesses with the opportunity to come into direct contact with the individuals who are key in making departmental purchase decisions within the University community,” says U-M purchasing agent Kimberly Kokenakes. “As we enter into the next century, a majority of the businesses that we’re going to be working with in the future will be minority firms, women-owned businesses or ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) businesses.
“It becomes increasingly important for us to be aware of that and to make strides toward educating our departments and ourselves with regard to our changing work force and our changing world.”
The trade fair is sponsored by Purchasing Services and the Business and Industrial Assistance Division of the School of Business. For more information, call Kokenakes at 747-8700, ext. 2457.
