Press Releases
Shell to Mentor, Form Agreement with Minority Business Alliance
18/02/2004
In an effort to grow its minority business partnerships, Shell Oil Company has formed a multimillion-dollar agreement with Star Consortium Alliance
The Star Consortium Alliance includes Corporate Express and three Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), which will now be responsible for providing a wide range of office products to Shell.
Under the agreement, Corporate Express will provide distribution and logistics support, while the MBE partners will provide delivery, customer service and contract management. The preferred MBE suppliers under this partnership include: Houston-based Lee Office Solutions, servicing Shell locations in Texas; Pacific Office Solutions, servicing the Seattle area, and Faison Office Products, supplying all other Shell locations throughout the U.S.
As members of the alliance, these MBE suppliers are given the opportunity to have the resources and the infrastructure of a conglomerate and to benefit from being mentored by Shell and Corporate Express.
“This contract award represents a real success in our efforts to find innovative ways to include M/WBEs in global contract opportunities,” said John Jefferson, director of diversity for Shell Oil Company. “Not only will it help us achieve Shell’s corporate business objectives by streamlining efficiencies, improving customer service and reducing costs, but it also is a demonstration of our commitment to diversity and sustainable development and positively impacts the communities where we work and live.”
Victor Bhatt, president and CEO of Lee Office Solutions says, "I am truly grateful for Shell's sincere efforts to develop minority business in the community. I am further grateful for the opportunity, for Lee Office Solutions to put its best foot forward in growing the Houston community. It is a win for Lee, the community and Shell."
Last year, Shell’s U.S. businesses spent more than $514 million with minority- and women-owned businesses.