Cincinnati Children's Earns Minority Business Supplier Award
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center today received a Cincinnati USA Supplier Diversity Circle of Excellence Award for proactively pursuing the growth and development of minority businesses.
Cincinnati Children's and the Cincinnati Public Schools were the only large companies in the city to receive an award for "going above and beyond" in helping minority entrepreneurs grow and develop their businesses. The award recognizes that "this more inclusive approach will yield positive economic benefits to our community and our economy," according to the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.
Medical center officials undertook a major effort to contract with minority businesses in supplies and construction services. During the 2004 fiscal year, corporate expenditures on certified minority business enterprises within a 15-county area reached nearly $15 million and involved 32 companies, representing a 43 percent increase in companies over the previous year. In addition, 11 of those companies signed supply contracts of at least one year.
"Given the explosive growth experienced by Cincinnati Children's over the past several years, the plant and facilities area presented an opportunity to increase our inclusion efforts," says Tom Kinman, vice president, facilities management and support services. "With the help of D. Butler Management Consultants, we identified local firms that had the qualifications and experience to be successful in the Cincinnati Children's environment. Multiple opportunities exist to continue to support the growth of minority entrepreneurs."
Among local companies with which Cincinnati Children's has worked closely is XLC Personnel Services, a human resources provider. "Cincinnati Children's has been on the forefront of diversity initiatives even before other organizations embraced this," says Delores Hargrove-Young, president and chief operating officer of XLC. "They are an example of an organization that focuses on the opportunities of today and tomorrow, rather than the problems of yesterday."
James M. Anderson, president and chief executive officer of Cincinnati Children's, accepted the award with Mr. Kinman at a business summit luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is a 423-bed institution devoted to bringing the world the joy of healthier kids. Cincinnati Children's is dedicated to transforming the way health care is delivered by providing care that is timely, efficient, effective, patient-centered, equitable and safe. It ranks third nationally among all pediatric centers in research grants from the National Institutes of Health. The Cincinnati Children's vision is to be the leader in improving child health.
Contact Information
Jim Feuer,
jim.feuer@cchmc.org, 513-636-4656
