Global Automotive & Energy Summit Guest Dr. Melvin Gravely
\u201cSupplier Diversity: Driving Shared Commitment in a Competitive Environment\u201dThe automotive environment has changed dramatically within the past two years.\xa0 Competition is fierce and expectations have increased for both companies with supplier diversity programs and automotive suppliers.\xa0\xa0 Our shrinking group of 875 minority auto suppliers create and deliver everything from automotive parts, to packaging and shipping, to staffing and executive recruitment.\xa0 Their contributions to African American communities are in the millions through jobs, education and economic development.\xa0 These suppliers primarily are located in urban and empowerment areas and have a tendency to hire, 70% of the time, within their own community.\xa0 Diverse suppliers are losing exponentially with the recent automotive restructuring.\xa0 Are companies still committed to supplier diversity programs?\xa0 Are minority businesses stepping up to the challenges?Panelists: o\xa0\xa0 Panel moderator:\xa0 Dr. Melvin Gravely, II, Ph.D. o\xa0\xa0 Bob Socia, VP, Purchasing & Supply Chain GM o\xa0\xa0 Robert Young, VP, TEMA Toyota o\xa0\xa0 Tom Lake,VP of Purchasing, Honda \xa0Contributing spokespersons Burt Jordan, Exec. Dir., Ford Global Vehicle and Powertrain Purchasing and Supplier Diversity Development\xa0Sigmund Huber, director, Chrysler Supplier Diversity Development