May 15th 7:45am – 11:45am In 2005, America’s largest corporations spent more than $80 billion purchasing goods and services from Minority/Women Business Enterprises (MWBE’s). Although minorities represent 28% of the US population, MWBE’s landed just 4% of total corporate purchases. For corporations to appeal to the diverse portfolio of domestic and global customers, retailers, wholesalers, and other business partners, it is important that they reflect the needs of the market by providing the necessary products and services through a diverse supplier base. This focuses on building mutually advantageous business relationships that will provide optimal solutions for the diverse customer base of the larger employer and economic development and long term viability to the MWBE’s. This summit will provide the opportunity for corporations to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by MWBE’s and for MWBE’s to learn how to compete in procurement. Trends and Issues Legislation Best Practices Strategic Alliances Influencing Buying Decisions Risk Management Minority Supplier Development Process MWBEs: How to Compete (Source: National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc., NMSDC)