the 50 BEST

By Jennifer LeClaire

The annual Hispanic Enterprise Top 50 Corporations for Supplier Diversity lists the nation’s companies most committed to offering minority business owners opportunities to get the contracts that can help cement their future. The list is a useful reference for businesses looking to bring in Fortune 500 companies as potential customers.
The corporations on this year’s listing where selected by evaluating company data as well as information provided by current and prospective small business suppliers. All the companies on the list dedicate substantial resources to their diversity supplier programs, providing small business vendors effective communication channels with the corporation as well as tools and resources to improve the supplier-customer relationship.
The main factors we took into consideration were the time, energy and internal resources the corporations allocate to the development of comprehensive supplier programs through mentorship, training, networking meetings and other incentives.
For their part, corporations have a laundry list of specifications about what they want: certification as a minority-owned business, competitive pricing, high quality products or services, business and technological innovation. Some require solid business histories complete with references from past business associates or clients.
To get started, you can obtain certification as a minority-owned business with the Small Business Administration. After that, the corporations’ supplier diversity departments can be contacted directly, or you can sign up on the diversity section of each company’s website.

Aetna Inc.
Hartford, CT
www.aetna.com/about/aetna/sd
Aetna works actively to identify Hispanic suppliers for all commodities and services. The supplier diversity manager works with suppliers to help contractors navigate Aetna’s procurement system, connecting them directly with commodity areas. Aetna also leverages its corporate membership with the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council and sponsorship of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to attract and identify Hispanic suppliers. Their goal is to include a diverse slate of suppliers in all its bidding oportunities.
Contact: Kristen Hickey
860-273-6541
hickeyk@aetna.com

AFLAC
Columbus, GA
Aflac.adaptone.com
Developing mutually beneficial relationships with minority-owned suppliers is one of the company’s fundamental objectives. Aflac also encourages primary suppliers to actively provide second-tier opportunities that support the supplier diversity initiative. Aflac maintains corporate memberships in the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, and other organizations. In 2006, Aflac offered more than 89 minority contracts and allocated more than $34 million dollars in minority supplier contracts.
Contact: William Haley, Jr
706-243-6870
bhaley@aflac.com

Allstate
Insurance
Northbrook, IL
www.allstate.com
Allstate is the largest publicly held personal lines insurer with $149 bllion in assets. The company insures one in eight autos and homes in the U.S. Supplier diversity is aligned with Allstate’s multicultural marketing efforts, which actively reach out to diverse consumers.
Contact: Margaret Klinsport
847-402-5000
cbbd8@allstate.com

American Express
Phoenix, AZ
www.americanexpress.com
Each year, American Express purchases a broad range of products and services from diverse businesses. Suppliers who do business with American Express are expected to demonstrate their commitment to diversity through a plan or program established within their own operations that quantitatively measures their purchases of goods and services from minority, women-owned, physically challenged and small businesses. American Express acknowledges and offers opportunities to those majority suppliers who assist American Express’ diversity policy by utilizing second-tier diverse suppliers.
Contact: Supplier Diversity Manager
800-528-5200
supplier-diversity@aexp.com

AT&T
San Antonio, TX
www.att.com
AT&T, one of the world’s leading providers of telephone, Internet and data servicing, has a goal of spending 21.5 percent of its total procurement budget with diversity-owned enterprises. AT&T looks for opportunities to work with diversity suppliers in all aspects of its business—from advertising to central office engineering, computers, outside plant construction and network provisioning. In 2006, AT&T spent $5.15 billion with diverse suppliers, representing 13 percent of its procurement base. AT&T boasts being a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, a supplier diversity think tank of corporations that spends more than $1 billion annually with diverse companies. Only 12 companies qualify at this level.
Contact: Joan Kerr
210-821-4105

Bank Of America
Charlotte, NC
www.bankofamerica.com
Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of financial services.
Contact: Edward Cates
NA

Chrysler
Auburn Hills, MI
www.Chrysler.com
Chrysler actively seeks out Hispanic vendors and minority suppliers through a variety of channels. Chrysler assists Hispanic businesses by conducting an annual matchmaker event to provide additional business opportunities for minority businesses. Chrysler also takes an interest in helping its minority suppliers develop. The company offers a unique mentoring initiative known as the Minority Enterprise Initiative (MEI) aimed at helping participants become more competitive. The success of MEI has been demonstrated as the participating suppliers have gained an additional $350 million in business with Chrysler since the program’s inception. It also provides on-site training courses for suppliers in quality techniques, six-sigma quality, lean manufacturing and green/black belt quality training.
Contact: Jethro Joseph
248-576-2051
jj4@chrysler.com

Citigroup
New York, NY
www.citigroup.com
A financial institution the size and scope of Citi buys a broad range of goods and services, such as office supplies, technology, printing services, furniture, and paper. The Supplier Diversity Program has expanded the roles of diverse suppliers beyond the traditional procurement areas (i.e. temporary staffing) into professional and technical services (i.e. legal, marketing, accounting, IT, and investment advisory services). Bidding is competitive and based upon the firm’s management expertise, operational capabilities and track record. Citi purchasing professionals play a key role by meeting the company’s purchasing goal while supporting its supplier diversity program. In addition, other employees who make purchasing decisions are required to seek and utilize competitive, diverse suppliers and consultants.
Contact: Diane T. Ashley
212-599-0678

Coca-Cola North America
Atlanta, GA
www.coca-cola.com
Coca-Cola’s supplier diversity program has committed to spending $800 million over a five-year period. Company figures show Coca-Cola expanded its contracts with minority firms by 46 percent in 2006 and an additional 16 percent above that in 2007. Last year, the company claimed $344 million in minority contracts. Coca-Cola also emphasizes second-tier engagement with minority firms, requiring primary suppliers to proactively engage minority companies on all company projects and contracts.
Contact: Johnnie B. Booker
404-678-8828
supplierdiversity@na.ko.com

Colgate-Palmolive
New York, NY
www.colgate.com
Colgate Palmolive actively seeks out Hispanic vendors for all aspects of their business as part of the company’s multicultural marketing initiative. Minority suppliers are sought to work with the company in a number of ways, including sourcing, purchasing, joint ventures, new ventures, strategic alliances, technical assistance and more.
Contact: Jeannie Maddox
212-310-2000
jeannie_maddox@colpal.com

Comcast Corporation
Philadelphia, PA
www.comcast.com
Comcast asks prospective and current vendors to register with its supplier diversity program. In doing so, Comcast personnel can search a directory of qualified suppliers when bid opportunities arise. In addition, Comcast partners with the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the USHCC and local Women’s Business Enterprise National Council affiliates to help identify qualified diversity suppliers.
Contact: Deborah Grossman
215-981-8474
deborah_grossman@cable.comcast.com

ConEdison
New York, NY
www.coned.com
Con Edison supports various organizations in an effort to achieve widespread inclusion in their procurement opportunities. These include the NY/NJ Minority Purchasing Council, Minority Business Development Agency, National Hispanic Business Group and others. Contract opportunities are announced through radio, newspapers and journals. The company also attends workshops, trade fairs, expos, conferences and symposiums to make itself more accessible to diverse suppliers.
Contact: Joy Crichlow
212-460-3076
crichlow@coned.com

Continental Airlines
Houston, TX
www.continental.com
Continental’s three-part diversity initiative includes a Supplier Diversity Training program for employees with buying authority to stress the importance of seeking diverse suppliers. Continental also has a supplier diversity advisory council to further encourage diversity efforts. As a participating member of the Houston Minority Business Council, Continental sponsors the Council’s Expo Business Marketplace and several other HMBC events, as well as regularly attends the National Minority Supplier Development Council annual conference.
Contact: Phyllis Graham
713-324-2462
713-324-2462

Ernst and Young
Lyndhurst, NJ
suppliers.ey.com
Ernst & procurement team uses a supplier diversity database when searching for qualified suppliers to ensure the company has a representation of diverse suppliers. To grow your business with E&Y, plant the seed by registering in their database. As a registered supplier, your company will be sent e-mail notices about upcoming procurement opportunities and events. Your company will also have access to the database to update your company’s information and provide electronic versions of your company’s marketing materials for E&Y procurement professionals to review.
Contact: Supplier Diversity Department
201-872-6606
supplier.diversity@ey.com

Excelon Corporation
Oakbrook, IL
www.exceloncorp.com
As a leader in the utility industry, Exelon has shown a commitment to supplier diversity. Exelon identifies “best in class” Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and seeks to align those companies with opportunities on the sourcing calendar. Once an MBE has been awarded the contract, the Exelon Supplier Diversity Team works throughout the year with the supplier to ensure it is fully supported with coaching and assistance.
Contact: Emmett Vaughn
630-576-6719
emmett.vaughn@exceloncorp.com

Farmers Insurance
Los Angeles, CA
www.farmers.com
Farmer’s recognizes the need for Hispanic and bilingual agents to be a part of the insurance company and has designed resources, including a website, to reach out to candidates.
Contact: Mitch Sparber
323-932-3200
mitch.b.sparber@farmersinsurance.com

Ford Motor Co.
Deerborn, MI
www.fordsdd.com
Since the inception of its Supplier Diversity Development (SDD) Program in 1968, Ford has purchased over $35 billion in goods and services from minority-owned businesses. Their support has helped establish the first generation of minority and women automotive suppliers. Ford also supports trade associations that strengthen the practice of supplier diversity, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Contact: Armando Ojeda
313-594-7338
aojeda2@ford.com

Hewlett-Packard
Palo Alto, CA
www.hp.com
HP has a global policy and program to ensure that it offers under-represented businesses equal opportunities to become HP suppliers and resellers. In the United States, these businesses include small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. In other countries, they include aboriginal-, ethnic minority- and immigrant-owned businesses.
Contact: Supplier Diversity Department
650-857-1501
hpmcpprogramadmin@hp.com

HSBC
New York, NY
www.hsbcusa.com
HSBC, one of the top 10 financial services companies in the U.S., uses its supplier diversity program to obtain high-quality goods and services from minority and women-owned businesses. The supplier diversity program makes it possible for the company to initiate communication with promising suppliers to begin building relationships for tomorrow.
Contact: Supplier Diversity Department
847-564-5000
212-525-5000

Kaiser Permanente
Oakland,, CA
www.kp.org
Recognition of the importance of diversity is reflected in the fact that along with a National Diversity Department, Kaiser Permanente has established a National Supplier Diversity program charged with purchasing and contracting with small and minority-owned businesses. Kaiser Permanente’s NSD program supports its longtime commitment of valuing diversity in the communities they serve.
Contact: Katie Luk
510-625-2832
katie.luk@kp.org

Kellogg Company
Battle Creek , MI
www.kellogg.com
Kellogg Company has supported the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in a number of ways, such as sitting on the board of the chamber. The company has been nominated as Corporation of the Year in the Product and Services category. On-site meetings with suppliers from the MHCC are common and the spending with Hispanic suppliers more than doubled from $16.5 million in 2005 to more than $36 million this year. Two suppliers who in 2005 where providing several million dollars of product and services are expected to provide over $10 million dollars this year.
Contact: Cathy Kutch
269-961-3507
cathy.kutch@kellogg.com

KPMG LLP
Montvale, NJ
www.us.kpmg.com/about/diversity.asp
KPMG actively seeks to promote supplier purchasing with minority-owned businesses. Equal opportunity is given to these businesses to join the supplier base and compete in the purchasing process. In 2007, the company conducted business with 96 minority vendors, spending more than $5 million. Potential vendors are able to contact KPMG through the company’s diversity website.
Contact: Robert Ernst
201-505-3421
rernst@kpmg.com

Macy’s, Inc
Cincinnati, OH
www.macysinc.com
Macy’s has a well-developed supplier diversity program that works to source minority-owned companies. In 2006, Macy’s spent $772 million with MWBEs, of which $101 million was spent with Hispanic vendors. The company is a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the USHCC, and regional Hispanic chambers, and actively seeks Hispanic vendors through these groups.
Contact: Howard Thompson
513-782-1503
howard.thompson@macys.com

Marriott
Washington, DC
www.marriott.com
Marriott International works with locally owned businesses in the communities where their hotels are located. Among the minority suppliers they seek are construction, cleaning and maintenance services, dry cleaning, electrical supplies and service, florists, food and beverages, interior design, IT services, marketing and advertising, waste removal and more.
Contact: Supplier Diversity Program
877-628-4426
MWBE@Marriott.com

MasterCard
Purchase, NY
www.mastercard.com
Launched in 2001, the MasterCard Supplier Diversity Program strives for continuous improvements in its efforts to attract diverse suppliers. Mastercard participates at events of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Beginning in 2006, MasterCard embarked on an aggressive media campaign to attract diverse suppliers through a suite of ads developed under MasterCard’s award-winning “Priceless” theme.
Contact: Jennifer Fatigate
914-249-5755
supplierdiversity@mastercard.com

McDonald’s
Oakbrook, IL 60523
www.mcdonalds.com
Potential suppliers can complete an applications on the McDonald’s webpage. They will then be considered based on company needs and the suppliers capabilities.
Contact: Marion Gross
630-623-6449
marion.gross@us.mcd.com

Merck & Co., Inc.
Whitehouse Station, NJ
www.merck.com
This phamaceutical company’s supplier diversity program participates in several outreach programs through the USHCC, National Hispanic Business Group, and National Minority Supplier Development Program, among others. The company offers coaching and feedback to minority suppliers, matching with appropriate procurement decision-makers, and mentoring on strategic thinking.
Contact: Jackie La Joie
908-423-1000
jackie_la_joie@merck.com

Merrill Lynch & Co.
New York, NY
www.ml.com
Merill Lynch’s supplier diversity program, which ensures bidding opportunities to certified minority-owned businesses, was the first in the financial services industry. Qualified businesses that have provided appropriate certification are referred to the competitive selection process in the categories of primary contractors, and as candidates for second tier subcontracting with majority suppliers.
Contact: 212-449-1000
supplier_diversity@ml.com

MetLife
Somerset, NJ
www.metlife.com
MetLife’s supplier diversity program strives to promote the long-term economic growth of MWBEs. Through the program, MetLife implements aggressive sourcing initiatives that allow MWBEs to become trusted suppliers. Contracts include systems consulting, programming and computer services, staffing, commercial print, building maintenance, janitorial services, office equipment, architectural services, travel planning, and more.
Contact: Sue Darago
732-893-3735
sdarago@metlife.com

Morgan Stanley
New York, NY
www.morganstanley.com
Morgan Stanley’s Supplier Diversity Team has its own budget, staff and advocates dedicated to promoting the firm’s diversity mission. The firm participates in various trade shows and conferences where the Supplier Diversity team and buyers are able to build relationships with vendors.
Contact: Jacqueline L. Rosa
212-762-3410
jacqueline.rosa@morganstanley.com

New York Life Insurance
New York, NY
www.newyorklife.com
New York Life’s commitment to diversity means a concerted effort to ensure that their suppliers include minority-owned businesses. The efforts to are based on the belief diversity gives the company a competitive edge by reflecting its customer base. New York Life is a participant in the National Minority Supplier Development Council and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council activities.
Contact: Annette Ficucello
212-576-7906
Annette_Ficucello@newyorklife.com

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
San Francisco, CA
www.pge.com
In order to help identify businesses owned by Hispanics, PG&E maintains ongoing relationships with organizations such as the USHCC, Latin Business Association and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. PG&E’s commitment can be seen in the fact that in 2006 it achieved $491.9 million in diversity spending, a 37 percent increase over the previous year. The purchases represented 21.7 percent of overall purchases. Contact: Contact: Melanie Shelby
415-973-5676
mmsk@pge.com

Pitney Bowes
Stamford, CT
www.pb.com
As part of its diversity efforts, Pitney Bowes actively seeks Hispanic suppliers through national, regional and local participation and sponsorships in Hispanic organization outreach events and conferences such as the USHCC tradefair.
Contact: Kevin Beirne
203-356-5000
kevin.beirne@pb.com

Pricewaterhouse Coopers
New York, NY
www.pwc.com
This company’s supplier diversity initiative and has six objectives, which includes engaging consultants for assist in supplier base analysis, among other items. The company also supports organizations and programs that certify, train, and develop diverse suppliers.
Contact: Keith Hines
646-471-3000
keith.e.hines@us.pwc.com

Prudential Financial
Newark, NJ
www.prudential.com
Prudential’s long-standing commitment to diversity is integrated into its workforce initiatives, community relationships, and business partnerships. Prudential believes an inclusive supplier base provides access to a wide range of capabilities and perspectives, which, in turn, can potentially increase the company’s competitive advantage.
Contact: Beth Canning
973-367-7125
beth.canning@prudential.com

SC Johnson
Racine , WI
www.scjohnson.com
SC Johnson has a supplier diversity program to recruit, develop and retain Hispanic (and other minority) business owners. SC Johnson is a corporate member of the Wisconsin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a corporate member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
Contact: Lynn Laskiewics
262-260-6803
lmlaskie@scj.com

Sodexho USA
Gaithersburg, MD
www.SodexhoUSA.com
Sodexho’s program encourages diverse vendors to register so they can be included in RFP opportunities. Sodexho is a member of USHCC and attends networking events to identify Hispanic vendors and facilitate introductions between vendors and other major companies. In addition, Sodexho uses their SOL network to publicize current contracted Hispanic vendors within Sodexho.
Contact: Darlene Fueller
301-987-4617
Darlene.Fuller@SodexhoUSA.com

Sprint/Nextel
Reston, VA
www.sprint.com/supplierdiversity
Sprint is committed to the growth of its diverse suppliers. The Sprint Supplier Diversity Department works closely with Sprint’s Supply Chain Management to include small, second- and third-party certified minority businesses in the purchasing process.
Contact: 703-433-4000
supplier.diversity@sprint.com

Starbucks
Seattle, WA
www.starbucks.com
Starbucks actively engages in community outreach efforts, most notably through the regional affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Each year, Starbucks has consistently raised the bar on its diverse supplier spending.
Contact: 206-447-1575

Starwood Hotels
White Plains, NJ
www.starwoodhotels.com
Starwood’s diversity efforts are partly based in the recognition that developing a community’s resources only strengthens the company. Starwood encourages all of its properties and corporate offices to seek out diverse suppliers.
Contact: 732-382-6565 x1099
Starwood.SupplierDiversityProgram@
starwoodhotels.com

State Farm Insurance
Bloomington, IL
www.statefar.com
State Farm’s supplier diversity program identifies and encourages equal opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women, and people with disabilities. State Farm is a corporate member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
Contact: Leonard T. Bell
309-766-1027
leonard.t.bell.abnb@statefarm.com

SunTrust Banks
Atlanta, GA
www.suntrust.com/diversity
The company’s supplier diversity program is not one of set asides, quotas, or preferences. It is a program of inclusion, ensuring that qualified, competitive minority businesses have equal opportunity to compete. Suppliers register in a supplier database, used by SunTrust whenever a commodity is sourced.
Contact: Carolyn Cartwright
404-588-7711
carolyn.cartwright@suntrust.com

Texas Instruments Inc.
Dallas, TX
www.ti.com
TI attends a number of events to promote networking and opportunities for Hispanic businesses, such as USHCC procurement roundtables. The company is also a member of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Minority Business Council.
Contact: Shannon Suber, Ph.D.
972-917-2365
s-suber1@ti.com

Toyota North America
Erlanger, KY
www.toyotasupplier.com
Toyota actively seeks Hispanic-owned businesses through the sponsorship of minority supplier events, meetings and seminars aimed at increasing opportunities for minority suppliers. One of its major annual sponsorships is for the USHiCC Annual Convention, where Toyota seeks capable Hispanic suppliers.
Contact: Adrienne Trimble
859-746-4481
adrienne_trimble@tema.toyota.com

Valero
San Antonio, TX
www.valero.com
Although Valero has not had a formal program in the past, it is actively developing a Supplier Diversity Program for 2008.
Contact: John Emley
210-345-2586
John.Emley@Valero.com

Verizon
New York, NY
www.verizon.com
Verizon is a charter member of the elite Billion Dollar Roundtable, an organization of companies that spend more than $1 billion annually with certified minority business enterprises. In 2005 alone, Verizon purchased more than $2.17 billion in goods and services from minority businesses.
Contact: Varies by region
212-395-1222

Wachovia
Charlotte, NC
www.wachovia.com
The Wachovia Supplier Diversity process aims to integrate and implement a measurable quality supplier diversity process into all purchasing activities.
Contact: 704-374-6161
supplierdiversity@wachovia.com

Washington Mutual
Seattle, WA
www.wamu.com
WaMu is a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and USHCC Procurement Council. In 2007, WaMu launched a Small Minority Business outreach program designed to provide opportunities for smaller companies to do business with WaMu on a second-tier basis. This program includes development of business partnerships and delivery technical assistance.
Contact: Fernando Martinez
205-500-1382
supplier.diversity@wamu.net

Wells Fargo
San Francisco, CA
www.wellsfargo.com
Wells Fargo actively seeks relationships with diverse suppliers through business networking, electronic and print communications, and participation in supplier events nationwide.
Contact: 415-396-2619
suppdive@wellsfargo.com

Louisville, KY
www.yum.com
The company known for its Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC franchises also has strong supplier diversity programs. The company’s goal is to develop strategic relationships with MWBEs while enhancing the economic strengths of the communities they serve. This includes providing essential links between diverse suppliers and corporate departments with purchasing needs and implementing practices that ensure each qualified MWBE supplier has an equal opportunity to compete and participate according to established policies and procedures.
Contact: Richard-Rugnao Abraham
502-874-8926
Richard.Rugnao@yum.com