MBN USA

October 26, 2021

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

CDW joined BDR in 2019

“We have seen firsthand the impact of supplier diversity and how it creates a multiplier effect by letting small, minority-owned firms invest in their own growth and spend more with other businesses in their supply chains. This [investment], in turn, generates jobs, increases wages and boosts spending in local communities.” — Kristin Malek, director, business diversity

Q: When did your company begin its supplier diversity program?

A: 2007.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your supplier diversity program history?

A: We formalized our supplier diversity program in 2007 before diversity was a trend. At CDW, diversity has always been a long-term business solution. That’s because, for us, supplier diversity is not about expenditure targets or handouts, but rather partnering with an extensive network of the most creative, innovative and competitive suppliers to deliver the best solutions and experiences for our customers. Since 2007, we have facilitated more than $14 billion of direct and indirect spending with small, minority-owned firms, including $2.1 billion in 2020. We currently have partnerships with 400 diverse suppliers and are building a digital library of 1,000 diverse suppliers.

We have seen firsthand the impact of supplier diversity and how it creates a multiplier effect by letting small, minority-owned firms invest in their own growth and spend more with other businesses in their supply chains. This [investment], in turn, generates jobs, increases wages and boosts spending in local communities.

As businesses and communities seek to recover from the disruption of COVID-19 and address pressing issues around inequality, we are committed to driving inclusive growth and creating economic opportunities for all.

Q: Why did your company decide to become a BDR member?

A: We believe that supplier diversity has a proven impact on our bottom line through the value it creates for our clients. For example, people are increasingly looking to buy from and work for organizations that share their values around diversity, inclusion and social justice. By partnering with our network of small and minority-owned firms, our customers can meet the expectations of both their clients and their own employees, ultimately, enhancing their ability to attract and retain them.

Q: Besides having a $1 billion annual spend with diverse suppliers, what does it take to be a BDR company?

A: We objectively measure our diversity spend. We set clear targets for our supplier diversity program and measure our progress along the way. Tracking our supplier spend allows us to see the overall value of our vendor spending.

Alongside our Billion Dollar Roundtable membership, we actively support a variety of organizations and events that focus on identifying opportunities for small and diverse businesses to thrive and grow including: [U.S. Department of Commerce] Minority Business Development Agency, National Minority Supplier Development Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Veteran-Owned Business Association, Disability:IN and National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

We’re also proud to have been recognized for diversity excellence in 2020 and 2021 by several leading organizations and publications dedicated to providing greater representation, employment and economic advancement for minority, women’s, veteran and LGBTQ+ communities.

We invest more than just dollars with our suppliers. We also provide ongoing customized training from our sales and technical experts, access to capital and advocacy and reputational support.

Q: How has your company benefited from BDR membership?

A: Our relationship with BDR creates a significant competitive advantage for CDW and our customers. We drive the high level of direct spend with minority-, disabled-, veteran- and women-owned companies that BDR demands because of the direct impact it has on our market share and brand equity and because we believe that generating jobs, increasing wages and boosting spending in local communities is good for business and for the economy.

Q: What advice would you give to corporations that would like to become BDR members?

A: 

• Fully define, measure and track

your supplier diversity program and create a corporate policy statement defining this program, so that internal stakeholders and buyers understand what to look for and how to evaluate new suppliers.

• Commitment to supplier diversity needs to start at the very top of the organization. Secure that commitment.

• Supplier diversity only becomes a reality when it’s ingrained in the organization’s day-to-day systems. Integrate supplier diversity into the procurement function company wide.

• Helping diverse suppliers meet your selection criteria is a tide that lifts all boats. Offer training on how to qualify for your roster.

Q: What advice do you have for minority business enterprises interested in doing business with your company?

A: Getting more work into the hands of qualified M/WBE [minority/women’s business enterprise] firms creates more prosperous and equitable communities. Our are vibrant and talented businesses that make tremendous contributions to the economy. We are committed to personally engaging with our diverse suppliers and customers through many different opportunities including:

• Utilizing our relationships with specialist organizations like Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Minority Supplier Development Council, etc. to find certified suppliers.

• Providing a robust supplier training program to help our suppliers grow and scale.

• Maintaining a presence at several national conferences and actively connecting with suppliers on-site.

• Launching a mentor protégé program with City University of New York.

To learn more about CDW’s supplier diversity program, visit cdw.supplierone.com.