ST. LOUIS, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise Holdings – which owns and operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands – has been recognized as a best-in-class company for its supplier diversity program by Black EOE Journal, U.S. Veterans Magazine, and Professional Woman's Magazine.
Enterprise Holdings' Supplier Diversity Program is an ongoing initiative designed to help increase the number of socially or economically disadvantaged suppliers who work to provide goods and services to the company. "Although we have more offices and branches than any other car rental company in the United States, we have made it a priority to support small businesses that reflect the diversity in each of those communities," said Pam Nicholson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Enterprise Holdings.
Those that qualify for the program include Minority-Owned; Minority Business Enterprise (MBE certified); Woman-Owned; Women Business Enterprise (WBE certified); Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB); Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE certified); Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB certified); ACDBE certified; 8(a) certified; LGBT enterprises; and HUBZone certified.
In its last fiscal year, $5.8 billion of Enterprise's companywide supplier spending went to small businesses operating in the same local communities Enterprise serves with 74 percent of that total going to minority-owned; women-owned; and veteran-owned businesses. In addition, Enterprise Holdings provides assistance and a host of tools to its regional procurement teams to help them identify suppliers who demonstrate stability, diversity and similar company values and ethics.
"Strategic supplier partnerships are an efficient and sustainable way to maintain a healthy bottom line and a diverse business," said Nicholson. "Our ability to exceed our customers' expectations depends on the strong relationships we have with vendors throughout the world."
ACDBE-Certified Suppliers
Earlier this year, Enterprise announced its new "Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise" (ACDBE) certification assistance program. Each U.S. airport is required to demonstrate its efforts toward meeting the federal government's ACDBE goals, and all concessionaires – including Enterprise Holdings' regional subsidiaries – likewise are required to report their efforts to each airport. Through the program, Enterprise Holdings and its regional subsidiaries identify and better utilize ACDBE-certified suppliers by helping current women- and minority-owned suppliers become ACDBE certified.
The ACDBE certification complements Enterprise's Supplier Diversity Program and strategy for long-term growth. As part of this strategy, the company honors the principles of founder Jack Taylor through its annual Founding Values Award. The award focuses on six points – including diversity and inclusion – that make up what is known as the Cultural Compass, a planning and goal-setting tool that helps its management team fully incorporate best practices into day-to-day operations.
SOURCE Enterprise Holdings
