Welcome to The Equity Connection! |
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Sherrice Thomas, VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access
The Equity Connection is designed to support both diverse suppliers and companies looking to diversify. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access are critical for the success of any organization, and through our newsletter, we aim to create a community that fosters collaboration, growth, and success for all parties involved. We will provide valuable insights, resources, and opportunities for diverse suppliers to connect with potential clients and for companies to find qualified and reliable suppliers that can help them meet their goals. Join our community and be part of creating a more equitable and inclusive business environment that benefits everyone.
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BUILDING MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL SUPPLIER AND BUYER RELATIONSHIPS
The days of the hierarchal buyer and supplier relationship are over. The 21st century calls for mutually beneficial relationships for both parties. A great example is forming supplier collaborations, where buyers and suppliers connect to work together on joint projects for the betterment of both organizations and their perspective industries.
Supplier collaborations are a common practice in automotive and technology industries and have been for years. The most common goals of these collaborations are cost savings, higher quality, and increased efficiency. According to a McKinsey & Co study, companies with advanced supplier collaboration capabilities tend to outperform their peers. In Boston Consulting Group’s article, Seven Forces Reshaping Procurement, one of the trends they identified focuses on the fact that “procurement needs specialized skills but faces a talent shortage.” One way to fill those gaps is through supplier collaborations.
Supplier collaborations are not limited to large corporations. Local small businesses can do it, too. Here is an example. Douglas Buckley of Black Kahawa Coffee wanted to transform his company from being a small coffee bean roaster to becoming a coffee bean importer. Greg Ubert, owner of Crimson Cup, was interested in solving the issue of coffee bean traceability. Through a connection made via the Urban Business Connection, Ubert connected Buckley with an investor, which in turn enabled Buckley to import coffee beans from Tanzania, and supply Ubert (and other buyers) with traceable coffee beans.
Do you have examples of effective supplier collaborations you would like to share with the local business community? If so, contact Sherrice Sledge-Thomas, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.
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Meet Claire Coder, Founder & CEO of Aunt Flow |
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What's the most common challenge in this space?
Industry: One of the challenges we face in our industry is the stigma around periods. While times are absolutely changing, we still find ourselves up against a very traditional notion that periods shouldn’t be discussed in public. In order to normalize the topic of menstruation, we have to TALK about it! The more people have access to quality menstrual health education and period products, the more we can work towards ending the period taboo. I’m extremely passionate about this because periods are not something to be ashamed of, and having access to high-quality period products shouldn’t be something we have to fight for. But that’s exactly why Aunt Flow exists — to change the world, one CYCLE at a time.
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Tell us about your organization.
After getting my period at an event without the supplies I needed, I thought to myself, “Toilet paper is offered for free, why aren’t tampons and pads?” At that moment, bloody underwear and all, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to ensuring everyone has access to period products. Now, thousands of organizations have joined the menstrual movement with Aunt Flow, providing free-vend dispensers stocked with tampons and pads made from organic cotton in locations like Princeton University, Google, Netflix, and more! For every 10 tampons and pads purchased, we happily donate 1 to a menstruator in need. We call this people helping people. PERIOD.Ⓡ
How does your business contribute to equity and inclusion in the business community?
While most public restrooms offer complimentary paper towels, soap, and toilet paper, they usually write off other basic amenities like tampons or pads and baby-changing tables as luxury items. But having access to period products or a place to change a diaper isn’t a luxury – it’s a NECESSITY. Another necessity? Period inclusivity. At Aunt Flow, we refer to “feminine hygiene products” as “menstrual products” to be inclusive to all menstruators regardless of gender. The only way to make meaningful change is to include everyone in the conversation.
What advice do you have for women who own businesses?
Be risky, because it’s often where the magic happens. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the risks I’ve taken. Aunt Flow itself was a massive risk. Each product launch has been risky. I’ve truly gone all in, and I’m cheering on all the other female founders out there to be risk-takers as well.
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Tracking legislation that impacts diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in our region is crucial for awareness, compliance, legal responsibilities, social progress, benchmarking, best practices, and gaining a competitive advantage. It allows individuals and organizations to stay informed, adapt their practice, and actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a bipartisan organization. In this section of our newsletter, we share legislation that has an impact on economic growth, job creation, and community prosperity while acknowledging the importance of bipartisan cooperation to achieve these goals.
Ohio Issue 1: Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety
The Ohio Ballot Board approved an amendment to Article I of the Ohio Constitution by adding Section 22, titled The Right to Reproductive Free with Protections for Health and Safety. The proposed amendment would:
- Establish in the State of Ohio’s Constitution an individual right to one’s own reproductive medical treatment, including but not limited to abortion;
- Create legal protections for any person or entity that assists a person with receiving reproductive medical treatment, including but not limited to abortion;
- Prohibit the citizens of the State of Ohio from directly or indirectly burdening, penalizing, or prohibiting abortion before an unborn child is determined to be viable, unless the State demonstrates that is using the least restrictive means;
- Grant a pregnant woman’s treating physician the authority to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether an unborn child is viable;
- Only allow citizens of the State of Ohio to prohibit an abortion after an unborn child is determined by a pregnant woman’s treating physician to be viable and only if the physician does not consider the abortion necessary to protect the pregnant woman’s life or health; and
- Always allow an unborn child to be aborted at any stage of pregnancy, regardless of viability, if in the treating physician’s determination, the abortion is necessary to protect the pregnant woman’s life or health.
Potential Workplace Impact
Women’s participation in the workforce and their earnings hinge on their access to health care and childcare.
Ohio Issue 2: Marijuana Legalization Initiative 2023
The Ohio Ballot Board approved ballot language to legalize recreational marijuana that will go before voters in November 2023. A Yes vote supports legalizing marijuana for adults 21 years old and older, allowing adults to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to six mature marijuana plants and up to six seedlings, and enacting a 10% tax on marijuana sales. A No vote opposes legalizing marijuana for adult use in Ohio. To learn more about this amendment, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s Ballot Board.
Potential Workplace Impact
Raise the Wage Ohio 2023
The Ohio Ballot voted to certify language submitted by Raise the Wage Ohio as a single issue, clearing the campaign to begin gathering signatures. increase the state minimum wage to $12.75 per hour on January 1, 2025 and then to $15 per hour on January 1, 2026. After that, previously approved increases indexed to inflation would continue at the higher rate. To learn more about this amendment, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s Ballot Board.
Potential Workplace Impact
Revisit compensation guidelines, associated administrative costs, and financial projections to determine the financial impact to your organization.
For further information and questions, please contact Desmond Bryant at dezbryant@COLUMBUS.ORG.
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Are you interested in exploring bidding opportunities with the City of Columbus and State of Ohio? If so, click on the following links to learn more. |
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Upcoming Meetings and Events |
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