Recap: Calgary Supplier Diversity Days

On Monday, April 15th, CGLCC and Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada travelled to Calgary for a regional Supplier Diversity Day! With a sold-out event, we welcomed participants from across the Calgary business communities.

Highlights of the Day

We kicked off the afternoon with Cassandra Dorrington, President and CEO of CAMSC, who facilitated a panel exploring supplier diversity from the supplier, governmental, and corporate perspectives. Kerri Robinson and Jess Robinson Lychak, Co-Founders of Precipice, shared their experiences as a small partnership and highlighted the impacts of targeted networking events as a stage to showcase your brand. Kris Ruiter, Regional Manager at Procurement Assistance Canada, offered his perspective and shared valuable resources to help Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME’s) navigate the ever-evolving landscape of supplier diversity within the government context. Alex Gysen, Regional Manager of 2SLGBTQI+ Business Development at TD Bank Group, shed some light into the value that supply chain diversity brings corporate partners. By building relationships with diverse suppliers now, Alex said, companies like TD are investing in a stronger future for themselves and their communities.

Next, we launched into two breakout sessions presented by CGLCC’s SDAC partners, IWSCC and CAMSC. In these sessions, suppliers got an chance to learn more about the Pitching for Procurement, demystifying the process and understanding key terms and acronyms. Corporate attendees joined a round-table to dive into the process of setting up a robust supplier diversity program that can go beyond individual champions and create ongoing impact through a company’s procurement program.

To wrap up the day, Kailey Gilchrist, Corporate Business Development Manager at CGLCC and Founder of Nona Vegan Foods, shared her journey founding, growing, and selling a company. She spoke the impact that certification played in her overall success. CGLCC certification introduced Kailey to opportunities that allowed her to show up authentically in her business relationships. Her overall highlight? Vegan rainbow mac and cheese at Toronto Pride!!

Up Next for SDAC

Missed this event? Don’t worry, SDAC has more on the horizon! We can’t wait to see you at our first-ever 3-day conference, DEFY! Join us in Montreal, from June 12-14 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to forge the future of Supplier Diversity with fellow diverse entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, government, and ecosystem partners from across Canada and beyond!

Register by May 13th to take full advantage of all DEFY has to offer!

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