Houston First Supplier Diversity Program Boasts Big Participation Uptick

June 7, 2017

Houston First Corporation’s supplier diversity program has experienced its biggest increase in participation numbers since the program’s genesis almost five years ago. 

Participation by small, minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) for 2016 measured at 41 percent, an increase of nine percent, compared with its 32 percent participation rate in 2015. 

The program consistently has surpassed the 30 percent participation goal HFC established in 2012, when the program was launched with the intention of maximizing the number of suppliers able to provide quality goods and services at competitive rates throughout all areas of HFC’s operations.

So far, HFC has awarded more than 350 contracts totaling more than $158 million to qualified MWBE vendors. 

“Our initiatives and strong commitment throughout our organization to supplier diversity continue to drive our numbers in the right direction,” said Dawn Ullrich, Houston First president and CEO.

She continued, “Houston First not only values diversity and inclusion, we recognize the impact minority and women-owned businesses have on our bottom line. We have found some of our most competitive suppliers through our diversity program.”

HFC has used myriad strategies to help identify and engage potential minority vendors, including hosting more than 150 diverse vendors at its Strategic Economic Opportunities Forum in 2016; attending more than 50 events to support and promote MWBE businesses; advertising in community newspapers, conducting email campaigns and making appearances at speaking engagements, local TV and radio programming, and working with government agencies that use similar programs and business objectives.

“Houston First continues to expand opportunities to a diverse supplier base,” Ullrich said.

She added, “It is a win for the supplier and the city because successful vendors are then able to create jobs and increase tax revenues, which strengthen our local economy.”

To improve its relationship with historically underutilized businesses, Houston First joined the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program, which is sponsored by the City of Houston, Houston Community College, Houston Independent School District, METRO and the Port of Houston.

As a result of the program, HFC has developed strong relationships with local minority vendors that have enabled it to cut costs, meet challenging deadlines and find innovative business solutions, according to Mitch Miszkowski, purchasing agent for Houston First. 

“More effectively engaging minorities, women, small and historically underutilized businesses in contracting and procurement isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good business,” Miszkowski said.

He continued, “Chiefly, diversity and inclusion is a key component of our stated values, vision and mission statement. As we lead the effort to promote Houston as a premier destination, diversity is an integral message. It’s who we are.” 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact