Office for Supplier Diversity - University of Minnesota

08/21/2025

2025 Supplier Diversity Expo - Have You Registered? -

Join us for the 2025 Supplier Diversity Expo: Build Your Grit: Fueling Small Business Resilience, an exciting opportunity to discover, connect, and collaborate with buyers and businesses of all types. This annual event brings together UMN staff, procurement professionals, community members, UMN part...

01/23/2025

January Newsletter - Cheers to the New Year! - https://mailchi.mp/umn/december-newsletter-construction-meet-eat-rsvp-link-updated-10334765

12/16/2024

Office for Supplier Diversity - December Newsletter -

As 2024 comes to a close, the University of Minnesota's Office for Supplier Diversity extends a heartfelt thank you to all of our community, stakeholders, and supporters. This has been another year of transition as we said goodbye to our longtime director, Sharon Banks, and hired two new supplier di...

12/04/2024

Congratulations to the 2024 AIR Awardees! Their dedication to advancing Supplier Diversity in Minnesota has made a significant impact this year. By championing inclusivity and innovation, they have set an inspiring example for others to follow (and competition for the 2025 AIR Awards). Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to creating a more equitable procurement landscape.

Together, we’re building a brighter future!





2024 AIR Award Winners

Star Award - Lissa Martinez Huebner

Prime Contractor of the Year - McGough Construction

Supplier of the Year - Cuningham Architecture Group

Stellar Awards (for Targeted Group Businesses)

Minuteman Press Uptown (MP Uptown)
Amy’s Windows
Moltron Builders

Fitz Award - Sharon Banks

AIR Awards for University Departments

University Services
Health, Risk, and Safety Management
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs

11/18/2024

A heartfelt thank you to Sherryln Thompson and Highly Favored Events & Travel, our incredible event planner for the 2024 University of Minnesota Supplier Diversity Expo! Your continued hard work, creativity, and attention to detail truly made the event the success it had. We are so grateful to work and cannot thank you enough for for helping to elevate supplier diversity in our community. Here’s to you and your amazing contributions!

11/15/2024

Check out this month's news from the Office for Supplier Diversity!

Each year, the Awards, Incentive, and Recognition (AIR) program spotlights University departments, staff, and vendors (Targeted and Non-Targeted) who demonstrate exemplary efforts in supporting supplier diversity. AIR program recipients were recently honored at the U of M Supplier Diversity Expo awa...

11/12/2024

Just 2 days away to learn more about climate change and what meaningful action looks like!

📣 Calling all University of Minnesota Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff!

Join RMF Sustainability Manager, Wendy Placko and the UMN Office of Supplier Diversity for the Climate Literacy Teach-in Session: An Introduction to Campus Decarbonization THIS THURSDAY!

🌍 Dive into an overview of Greenhouse gas emissions and how they relate to the operation of campuses
🌍 Examine incentives for reducing emissions, including regulations and climate commitments
🌍 Learn how engineers help campuses reduce emissions

RMF Engineering currently leads the University of Minnesota Energy & Utility Comprehensive Plan project at the University, partnering with Efficiency Commissioning LLC, a minority owned business and member of the Office of Supplier Diversity's Targeted Business Directory.

Office for Supplier Diversity - University of Minnesota

11/01/2024

Check out this upcoming event partnered with the U of M Office for Sustainability!

10/28/2024

Still looking for more outlets to grow your business? Sign up with SupplierOne! SupplierOne by Supplier.io is a supplier discovery platform used by buyers to find new suppliers. Suppliers can create free profiles with the information buyers need to know when evaluating your company and your products.

By signing up, you’ll gain access to valuable virtual facetime for your business, networking opportunities worldwide, and potential partnerships that can help your business thrive. Don’t miss out, sign up today for free!

https://supplierone.co/

10/21/2024

Written Hugs Designs greeting cards that support mental health. Not only are their messages missional and thoughtful, but for every card they sell D2C (Direct to Consumer), they donate a card to nonprofits actively serving people who need connection and encouragement. Written Hugs Designs wholesale....

10/21/2024

Office for Supplier Diversity - October Newsletter -

Written Hugs Designs greeting cards that support mental health. Not only are their messages missional and thoughtful, but for every card they sell D2C (Direct to Consumer), they donate a card to nonprofits actively serving people who need connection and encouragement. Written Hugs Designs wholesale....

10/12/2024

Our colleagues at the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare rock!