Making Connections Through the Diverse Supplier Chain!
On April 22nd, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center opened its doors to over 80 local minority and women-owned businesses within Baton Rouge. This event, “Linking Diverse Suppliers to the Diverse Supplier Chain” was a vendor fair specially designed to promote and uplift the enterprises of underrepresented populations within our community. From paper and apparel to sweet cakes and fruit smoothies—even glow-in-the-dark bike rides, this supplier expo offered both new purchasing possibilities and a memorable experience.
The LSU Office of Procurement and Supplier Diversity served as the hosts while the guests that flowed through the open doors to learn something new were a steady stream of support. From 9:00AM to 2:00PM, visitors had a chance to stroll through an array of tables, collect information, taste delicious samples and beverages, and win door prizes by the hour. Multiple departments campus-wide came to enjoy the event including the College of Agriculture, the Office of Research and Economic Development, civil engineering, chemistry, and more.
LSU Athletics partnered with campus to expand our reach into the community. The Athletics Diverse Supplier Committee table provided prizes of swag bags, t-shirts, hats, and two grand prizes of Garth Brooks concert tickets and baseball game tickets to LSU vs. Georgia in the Athletic Director’s suite.
Mike the Tiger and the spirit squad rallied the crowd during the lunch hour. Head women’s volleyball coach, Tonya Johnson, and gymnastics coach and LSU powerhouse DD Breaux represented the department as advocates for representation within the market. Their message was not only impactful, but it was simple: