VSU Multi-Purpose Center Joins Oak View Group’s
Supplier Diversity Program to Strengthen and Broaden Business Opportunities for Traditionally Underrepresented Groups
Additional World-Class Sports and Entertainment Venues Participating in the Pilot Program Include Climate Pledge Arena, UBS Arena, Moody Center, and Miami Beach Convention Center
Chesterfield, VA (February 21, 2024) – Today, VSU Multi-Purpose Center, a state-of-the-art multipurpose venue located on the campus of Virginia State University, in South Chesterfield, VA, announced it has teamed with Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, for participation in the launch of its companywide supplier diversity program. Deepening its commitment to economic inclusivity, the initiative is a part of OVG’s continued pledge to be a catalyst for lasting change and inclusion throughout its organization, partners, and the communities it serves while encouraging the growth of minority-owned businesses and women-owned businesses.
In addition to VSU Multi-Purpose Center, other venues committed to participating in the pilot program include Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, the world’s first carbon zero certified arena and home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken; UBS Arena in Belmont Park, home to the four-time Stanley Cup Champions New York Islanders; Moody Center, OVG’s award-winning arena in the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin Texas; and the state-of-the-art Miami Beach Convention Center.
“We are excited about what this program will mean for minority-owned businesses within our region,” said Shalyn Moore, Marketing and Sales Manager. “Economic inclusivity requires a commitment to not only position people for access to business opportunities, but a dedication to empower them with the necessary resources and tools to succeed. We are in the business of implementing practices, policies, and programming that will drive intentional progress towards economic equity for minority-owned businesses.
“We understand that to provide exceptional guest experiences at our venues, we need to think beyond customer service and start to deepen our commitment to underrepresented communities. Minority-owned businesses are the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our economy and we want to be a part of empowering those communities,” said Tim Leiweke, chairman and CEO, Oak View Group. “Investing in these businesses is being intentional about the ways we invest in the communities. If you don’t have a multicultural business strategy today, you won’t be competitive or around in the next 10 years.”
Providing 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.
“OVG believes in the power of a diverse community and recognizes the opportunity to be intentional in the ways they support and uplift the diverse business communities they serve. Our supplier diversity program won’t just benefit underrepresented businesses, it will uplift the communities where these businesses are located through job creation, increases wages, and tax revenue,” said Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus, OVG’s vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion. “This isn’t just a business strategy, it’s our commitment to making a long-lasting economic impact in underrepresented communities. Minority-owned business encounter unique barriers that challenge their growth efforts such as access to capital and networking opportunities. The pilot program aims to alleviate some of those pain points.”
When vetting potential suppliers, OVG will consider multiple factors which may change from market to market. These include capacity, based on the size of the potential partner’s company, and where within OVG’s operations they would most likely succeed; and key differentiators such as what sets partners apart from competitors, cost savings, reduction in delivery or setup times, value-added services, product/services quality, and sustainability.
Potential supplier partners interested in applying are encouraged to click here to review the required diversity certifications.
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About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is a global sports and entertainment company founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015. OVG’s mission is to be a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality industries. OVG is world-renowned as the leading full-service live entertainment and hospitality group, with 10 major new arenas either open or under development including: Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center; UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY; Moody Center in Austin, TX; Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, CA; and CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD; as well as arena development projects for Co-op Live in Manchester, UK; Anhembi Arena in São Paulo, Brazil; FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, ON; a New Arena and entertainment district in Las Vegas, NV; and a New Arena in Cardiff, Wales. OVG360 is a full-service venue management, hospitality solutions, and venue services company servicing more than 400 arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, culture institutions, and convention centers world-wide. More information at OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
About VSU Multi-Purpose Center
The VSU Multi-Purpose Center is a state-of-the-art multipurpose venue located on the campus of Virginia State University, in South Chesterfield, VA. The arena is able to seat more than 6,000 guests, making it the largest events venue located south of Richmond in the state of Virginia. The amenities-packed arena serves as a full entertainment facility hosting athletic events, commencements, live concerts, family shows, trade shows, and more. Formally opening its doors to the public in March of 2016, the VSU Multi-Purpose Center is home to the Virginia State University Trojans Basketball and Volleyball teams. The MPC is managed by OVG360, which is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client-partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. More information at vsumpc.com.
Media Contact:
Shalyn Moore
Marketing & Sales Manager for VSU Multi-Purpose Center
804-524-3210
Nate Harris
General Manager
804-524-3233
Nate.harris@oakviewgroup.com
