Supplier Diversity Done Right National Grid’s Story — Creating Diverse Partnerships Across the Grid
Special Advertorial Business Section — Boosting local economies. Building community connections. Better meeting customers’ needs.
Originally posted on The Bay State Banner
Smart companies know that supporting small business is one of the best ways to accomplish these goals. Even smarter ones recognize the benefits of doing business with diverse suppliers — like small businesses run by women, minorities, veterans or people with disabilities.
National Grid Director of Supplier Diversity Carla Hunter Ramsey says she couldn’t be prouder of the strides National Grid has made in six short years with supplier diversity.
“One of our strategic goals at National Grid is to make sure our employees — and our suppliers — mirror the diverse customers and communities we serve across Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island,” Hunter Ramsey says. “It helps us better understand and serve their needs. It demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion as a socially responsible company. It has had a real impact on the success of our business and our reputation in the communities across all our jurisdictions.”
National Grid’s supplier diversity efforts began in 2009, when the company’s U.S. executive team developed a business strategy to invigorate a stagnant program and put it at the heart of National Grid’s overall vision, mission and commitment to stewardship. The Supplier Diversity team started increasing the company’s investment in small and diverse suppliers, while staying cost competitive and supporting local economic development.
