MBN USA

January 02, 2024

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

Honorees recognized for commitment to supplier diversity

Texas Instruments Inc.

How old is your supplier diversity program?

For decades, Texas Instruments (TI) has recognized that engaging minority- and women-owned business entities and other disadvantaged business enterprises in our supply chain provides TI with unique, innovative and cost-effective products and services. Our small/disadvantaged business program started in the 1960s with our systems group and expanded to all domestic businesses in 1989.

Tell us, in 200 words or less, a bit about your supplier diversity program and why it is successful.

For decades, TI has actively pursued business opportunities with minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) and other disadvantaged business enterprises in the U.S. to drive economic equity and provide the company with unique, innovative, cost-effective products and services. Our objective is to use an inclusive sourcing model that seeks out and enables certified disadvantaged business enterprises to qualify and successfully compete for our business.

Our supplier diversity initiative – focusing on M/WBEs – formally launched in the late 1980s. Since then, TI joined the Dallas Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council and became a founding member of the North Texas Women’s Business Council, known today as the Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS). By remaining actively involved with these councils, TI helps support North Texas women and minority businesses with their education, certification and business development initiatives. Additionally, TI mentors local diverse businesses to help them sharpen skills, such as bidding on contracts, company sales pitch, client diversification and building supplier partnerships.

Our Supplier Diversity Program Office is dedicated to promoting U.S. certified M/WBEs and other disadvantaged business enterprises, to support the development of an inclusive supply chain and help make our communities where we do business stronger. 

What are some best practices that will make supplier diversity programs better? 

Supply diversity programs should continually promote the value of a diverse supply chain and the competitive advantage working with minority- and women-owned business enterprises and other disadvantaged business enterprises can offer a company and community.

At TI, we actively involve business leaders in our supplier development initiative. This initiative helps promising diverse suppliers operate more efficiently, grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy. Through this initiative, current diverse suppliers are matched with a procurement mentor and a business unit mentor, who works with the suppliers for one year. Together, they develop plans to remove potential growth barriers. Each quarter, participants in the initiative meet to learn more about TI’s business results, strategic direction and procurement needs.

To learn about Texas Instruments, visit ti.com/about-ti/suppliers/supplier-diversity.html.

To view or download full article from mbntexas.biz, please click here.