Supporting Minority Business Enterprises

The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC), a Houston-based business organization whose primary mission is to increase contract opportunities and growth of minority owed businesses, recently held their annual CPO Summit and Quarterly Networking and Awards Luncheon at the Hilton Americas. Shell and Motiva are active corporate members of the HMSDC and Shell was the lead founder of the organization more than thirty years ago.

Over the past three years, HMSDC's CPO summits have provided a forum for chief procurement officers of major corporations to discuss challenges, benefits and best practices in supply chain diversity and inclusion. This year, Cindy Bishop, Senior Procurement Manager, Supply and Distribution, participated in the CPO Summit III providing valuable input regarding Shell's approaches to inclusion.

Themed "A View from the Top," the event luncheon drew a crowd of more than 400 participants and four corporate sponsors. The event proved to be timely in recognizing procurement and supplier diversity professionals for sustained efforts to be inclusive in contracting practices.

Curtis Frasier, EVP, Gas and Power-Americas provided the corporate keynote remarks, sharing Shell's perspective on current business dynamics. Jon E. Barfield, President and CEO, of the Bartech Group (a $1 billion dollar Minority Business Enterprise) provided an inspiring message and viewpoint on what MBEs should be doing to win in a challenging economy.

Francene Young, Manager VP, Diversity & Inclusion and US Talent, said "Our diversity outreach is carefully planned to promote consistent involvement of Shell and Motiva leaders nationally and locally with strategic business partner organizations like HMSDC."

• HMSDC Board: James Sgarlat
• HMSDC Second Tier Chair: Donovan Casanave
• HMSDC Professional Services Committee: David Esquibel
• HMSDC SDAC Sub Committee: Gwen Sampson
• HMSDC SDAC Committee: Patricia Richards
• NMSDC Board: Francene Young
• NMSDC Industry Committee: Patricia Richards

The awards ceremony recognized nominees in the categories of "Procurement Champion of the Year, and "Helping Hand of the Year." The awards are presented annually and recognize procurement professionals and advocates who champion and support MBE inclusion.

"These awards are meaningful because the nominations come directly from diverse businesses in Houston's business community," says Patricia Richards, Manager of Supplier Diversity/Diversity Outreach. Shell's nominee for "Procurement Champion of the Year" was Alan Powers (SEPCo) and nominees for the "Helping Hand Award" were: Gwen Sampson (Downstream), David Esquibel, Patricia Richards and Francene Young (Diversity Office). There were a total of 9 nominees for "Procurement Champion" and 47 nominees for "Helping Hand". Congratulations to Gwen Sampson who was awarded the "Helping Hand Award".

Shell and Motiva understand the importance of active involvement in business and community organizations that support diverse communities and creating a stronger economic base. Shell's Supplier Diversity Program supports the commitment of internal business units in utilizing and developing women and minority owned and operated firms.

For more information on Supplier Diversity click here or contact David Esquibel (713) 241.8659.