Diversity Supplier Spending Improves With WBECs

Women’s Business Enterprises South and the Enterprising Women of Color Program hosted a vendor outreach event with LSU’s Athletics’ Supplier Diversity Committee.  Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) South is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the largest certifier of women-owned businesses (WBEs) in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs. The “Doing Business with LSU” event introduced upcoming opportunities by Athletic Department members, Shelly Mullenix and Matthew LaBorde, as well as Don Lawhorn, LSUs Supplier Diversity Manager. Participants were able to register as a vendor for future opportunities and better forecast procurement needs with the LSU System.

With an enthusiastic turnout of over 45 vendors, participants were given the option to join virtually or in-person (due to new COVID protocols) at the Women’s Business Collection located Downtown New Orleans.  LSU is one of the first corporate members to host a vendor outreach at Women’s Business Enterprises in 2021. “It is always a great opportunity for us to develop these relationships with businesses across our state,” said LaBorde. Mullenix says, “Athletics has really come together in their efforts to make a meaningful impact with respect to empowering our diverse suppliers. Providing the tools needed to register as a vendor for the state and making others aware the opportunities available appears to be a motivating factor.”

LSU thanks Tiffany Carter from WBECs for opening her doors to opportunity!