Posted: 5/7/2014
Parkland Health & Hospital System was recognized by the
Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council for its utilization and development of minority owned businesses in the North Texas area at the 6th Annual BUY THOSE THAT BUY USTM Recognition Breakfast on April 22. Parkland was among 51 leading corporations and public sector agencies recognized for continued commitment to inclusion of minority businesses in their purchasing decisions.
“We believe the work of these 51 companies and public sector agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is making a difference in the overall economic growth and development of North Texas” said Keith Connolly, Chairman of the Board of the Council and Vice President Consumer & Corporate Supply Chain, AT&T. “These 51 Buying Entities continue to work to improve business opportunities for the minority community and minority owned businesses.”
“Supplier diversity is a priority at Parkland,” said Indria Hollingsworth, Parkland’s Director of Supplier Diversity and Ethical Sourcing. “Parkland’s Board of Managers made inclusion of diverse suppliers a strategic priority for the organization. The Board’s vision, coupled with the guidance of the executive leadership team, has created a climate of meaningful inclusion.”
Parkland’s purchases of goods and services from minority and women business enterprises (MWBE) in FY 2013 totaled nearly $30 million. According to Hollingsworth, spending is tracked by ethnicity and gender to assure compliance with the Board’s vision. Spending amongst MWBE suppliers so far in FY2014 totals more than $12 million.
Professional and consulting services will be the future focus for Parkland’s diversity program as historically, these have been under-represented areas for access by diverse businesses.
“Inclusion of MWBE suppliers makes good business sense and positively impacts Parkland’s bottom line as we strive daily to provide quality health care to those who depend on us,” said Hollingsworth.