Aiken Celebrates Supplier Diversity Success and Welcomes Beautiful Fall Weather

Aiken Welcomes Bright News and Seasonal Changes!

Hey there, Aiken! As we embrace the beautiful fall season, the weather is shaping up to be quite inviting. With plentiful sunshine expected and a high of about 63 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect time to step outside and enjoy this picturesque fall day. The winds from the north will be blowing gently at 10 to 20 mph, bringing a refreshing feel to the crisp air. As night falls, temperatures are predicted to dip to a cozy 39 degrees, so make sure to grab a light jacket if you plan to stay out late. Overall, the clear skies forecast promises a delightful day ahead!

Celebrating Success in Supplier Diversity

In other exciting news, Aiken’s very own Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) is making waves in supplier diversity! During the annual Business Opportunity Conference held at Virginia Beach, SRNS Buyer Jana Chavous was honored with the title of “2024 Buyer of the Year” by the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC). What an amazing achievement!

This recognition highlights significant contributions to supporting small and minority businesses in our region. The CVMSDC is part of a larger initiative that aims to create better business opportunities for minority-owned enterprises, and it’s great to see SRNS at the forefront of this movement.

The Importance of Supplier Development

As Jay Johnson, SRNS Deputy Vice President and CVMSDC Board Member commented, “We continue to partner with CVMSDC to elevate minority business participation levels and foster economic development.” It’s clear that SRNS is committed to a “small business first” approach in their procurement practices. In fact, some buyers at SRNS are awarding as much as 93% of their work to small businesses on any given month!

The award highlights SRNS’s role in the MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Leaders Program. This program is all about building mutually beneficial relationships, and with SRNS’s current contracts with over 80 minority businesses, it’s evident that they are making a genuine commitment to economic growth. Since 2012, SRNS has invested more than $456 million to minority businesses specifically in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, which goes to show just how impactful these efforts are.

Supporting Local Businesses and Building Communities

Lisa Tanner, who serves as SRNS’s Small Business Liaison Officer, noted how their buyers are proactively involved in supporting local businesses through various initiatives, including the Mentor-Protégé Program and economic development projects. By championing the interests of small businesses, SRNS contributes to a more dynamic and resilient business ecosystem, all while boosting broader economic prosperity.

Dave Dietz, SRNS Supply Chain Procurement Senior Director, added, “Our impactful sourcing teams and collaborative approach have cultivated an environment where corporate leaders, MBEs, and community stakeholders can unite for mutual benefit.” This sentiment showcases how SRNS is genuinely dedicated to not just their mission, but also the community as a whole.

Looking to the Future

As we move into the holiday season and reflect on the work being done to support local minority businesses, it’s exciting to see such proactive efforts in our area. We should all take a moment to appreciate the positive changes in our community and the businesses that contribute to our local economy.

So, let’s get out and enjoy the sunny weather today, keep a lookout for the beautiful changes in the trees around town, and celebrate all the hard work and achievements happening right here in Aiken!