Supplier Diversity Program
VSU Multi-Purpose Center's Supplier Diversity Program's goal is to deepen our commitment to economic inclusivity through building and maintaining a supplier diversity program that provides opportunities to develop business with minority-owned businesses within the communities we serve. In partnership with Oak View Group, we are creating positive disruptions in sports and entertainment that are visible in all aspects of our operations.
We are strengthening our processes, practices, and policies to reflect our commitment to empowering the social, economic, and cultural advancement of underrepresented businesses.
In 2022 Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, announced the formalization of this companywide supplier diversity program. We are excited to join the initiative as a part of our committment to be a catalyst for lasting change and inclusion as an organization. The program will be mutually beneficial for our partners and the communities we serve while encouraging the growth of minority-owned businesses and women-owned businesses.
The Supplier Diversity Program offers the maximum opportunity for local, small, and diverse businesses to become OVG vendors, OVG will work to identify and increase sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51% owned, operated, and managed at least 51% by a non-white minority, a disabled person, or a woman. OVG currently recognizes a wide range of diverse certifications that include minority businesses, women, veterans, LGBTQ+, disabled persons, and other local city certifications. The program aims to foster economic inclusivity by making OVG’s supply chain more diverse by encouraging the use of vendors that are historically overlooked while ensuring a positive impact is made in the communities where OVG operates.
Vendors are encouraged to complete the Supplier Diversity Questionnaire here and review the informational phamplet Diversity Supplier Program Pamphlet here.
There are several factors we consider when vetting our potential suppliers, which may change from market to market. Two areas we consistently emphasize are your company’s capacity and key differentiators.
Capacity, based on the size of your company, where in our operations would you be the most likely to succeed. The success of our suppliers is extremely important in live entertainment and sports in order to develop long lasting partnerships. We would never want you to sacrifice the quality of the products and services being provided to your other clients.
Key differentiators, we know that diversity fosters innovation and we want to know what sets you apart from your competitors. This includes but is not limited to cost savings, reduction in delivery or setup times, value-added services, product/services quality, and sustainability.
A diverse supplier is “a company/trader owned and managed at least 51% by a non-white minority, a disabled person or a woman.” We currently recognize a wide range of diverse certifications that include Minority Businesses, Woman, Veterans, LGBTQ+, Disabled Persons, and other local city certifications. We understand that in certain instances we may have to use large scale companies, but we will continue to make best efforts to be economically inclusive every time opportunities arise.
Step #1: View/download the Diversity Supplier Program Pamphlet here
Step #2: Fill out our Supplier Diversity Questionnaire here
If you have any questions regarding the questionnaire or about the program, please send your inquiries to supplier.diversity@oakviewgroup.com
