Supplier Diversity Programs

Troka: Supplier diversity programs should be ever-evolving to meet the needs of organizations, customers and manufactures alike. For example, CDW continues to improve the application process for prospective partners and give applicants a clearer understanding of qualifying criteria. We also participate as a national corporate member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. And to make diverse purchasing easier for our customers, we are adding icons to products listed on our Web site that are provided by participants in the supplier diversity program. This way, customers can choose many products from qualifying vendors without having to consult their account managers.

At CDW, we believe the U.S. IT marketplace is stronger and more vibrant because it values the creation of opportunity for minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses. However, the principle is easy to endorse but harder to live in practice. Organizations should set the goal of practicing diverse business for the sake of their business, their partners and their customers alike.