In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, diversity and inclusion have become crucial factors for success. Haskell, a leading global architecture, engineering, construction and consulting firm, recognizes the importance of supporting businesses owned by diverse individuals or groups in procuring goods and services.
As part of its overarching strategy to promote diversity and inclusion, Haskell has implemented numerous initiatives to expand opportunities for these businesses. Acting on one of its six strategic pillars, "Expand Diversity and Inclusion," Haskell works continuously to create a more equitable and inclusive business environment.
Today is Day 3 of Construction Inclusion Week, an industry-wide effort to celebrate and amplify awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and to spearhead change. Haskell is proud to sponsor Construction Inclusion Week at the Ambassador level and to participate by highlighting each day’s theme. Today’s theme is Supplier Diversity.
Supplier diversity is a business practice that includes businesses owned by diverse individuals or groups in the procurement of goods and services. A diverse supplier is generally defined as a business that’s at least 51% owned and operated by individuals who are part of a traditionally underrepresented or underserved group.
Fostering Supplier Diversity
Haskell understands that supplier diversity is a powerful tool for economic growth and community development. It intentionally seeks and partners with suppliers and subcontract partners classified as minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs), woman-owned business enterprises (WBEs) and small-business enterprises (SBEs), as well as businesses owned by other minority groups, such as LGBQT+, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Through such broad-based procurement practices, Haskell not only diversifies its supply chain but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of these enterprises. Through targeted outreach programs, supplier development initiatives and mentorship opportunities, Haskell strives to create a level playing field for all businesses, regardless of size or ownership.
Building Strategic Partnerships
To further support supplier diversity, Haskell actively seeks strategic partnerships with organizations that share similar values and goals. By collaborating with the Small Business Administration, the Department of Transportation and local governments, Haskell taps a vast network of diverse suppliers and fosters mutually beneficial relationships. These partnerships have provided valuable resources, guidance and advocacy for SBEs, MBEs and WBEs, helping them thrive in a competitive market.
As an example, Haskell recently sponsored a Meet & Greet that was part of the First Coast Business Alliance’s Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2023.
“The First Coast Business Alliance is very appreciative of The Haskell Company for sponsoring our inaugural Small Business Meet and Greet and for being a sponsor of our Minority Economic Development (MED) Week events this year,” First Coast Business Alliance President Rita L. Scott said. “Their support enables us to support and recognize minority- and women-owned businesses on the First Coast throughout the year.”
Promoting Fair and Equitable Procurement
Haskell is committed to fair and equitable procurement practices that promote diversity and inclusion. By implementing transparent and inclusive bidding processes, Haskell provides equal opportunities for all businesses to compete for contracts. This approach encourages healthy competition and fosters an environment where businesses with diverse ownership backgrounds can showcase their capabilities and expertise. Additionally, Haskell offers educational resources, training, access to capital, mentorship and skills necessary for success.
Haskell is working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive business landscape by fostering supplier diversity, building strategic partnerships, providing access to capital and resources, promoting fair procurement practices, cultivating a diverse workforce, and advocating positive societal change. Through these efforts,
Randall Smith, Disadvantage Veteran Owned Small Business, "Haskell's small business department practices what they preach,” said Randall Smith, owner of SBS Promotional Solutions and a U.S. military veteran. “I was honored to attend a small business networking event where Haskell was a vendor. Miss McGoogin requested a capability statement from me. I provided (it), and I immediately received an email to submit my company’s prequalification information to ‘do work with Haskell.’ Once completed, I received an invite from Haskell’s Building Connected as a supplier. I provided a quote on promotional items and WON the opportunity to provide the items. This was huge for my small business and rare for a company the size of Haskell.”
About the author: Anita McGoogin is Haskell’s Business Diversity Administrator. She is a certified supplier diversity professional and a driving force behind Haskell's Supplier Diversity program. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to connect minority-, women-, veteran- and persons-with-disabilities-owned businesses with opportunities within the company and to promote an inclusive supply chain that spreads wealth across all communities. Anita is a passionate advocate committed to the cause of supplier diversity and inclusion. With a wealth of expertise in the field, she drives the Supplier Diversity program and actively works towards providing innovative solutions that bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the corporate landscape.
Driven by our core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust, Haskell is committed to expanding diversity and inclusion as it procures supplies and services. Contact us to become one of our trusted partners as we Create Things That Matter.
