KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The business diversity program at Burns & McDonnell held its third annual Empowering Diverse Partnerships symposium to support training, knowledge-sharing and networking among small and diverse-owned businesses.

“It’s through these conversations and connections that we support the growth and development of small and diverse-owned businesses,” said Tammy Martin, business diversity director at Burns & McDonnell. “They leave here stronger, so it’s a win-win for us and our suppliers that helps drive economic and social benefits across the board, leading to a more dynamic, equitable and resilient economy.”

The panel discussions focused on topics including operational excellence; supplier diversity’s role in environmental, social and governance (ESG); building brands with diverse suppliers; and why supplier diversity is a key step toward serving customers and strengthening communities.

The keynote speaker was David O’Brien, senior vice president and chief supply officer at Exelon Corporation, who told the audience, “It’s important to us that our prime suppliers value what we value and embrace supplier diversity because it allows us to make a difference with our customers and in the communities we serve.”

Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA), a leader in supplier diversity strategy, once again partnered with Burns & McDonnell on the symposium’s discussion topics.

“Small and diverse business owners gain invaluable insights when they train and collaborate with larger companies,” said Ralph G. Moore, president and founder of RGMA. “It can enhance their operational capabilities, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and boost their understanding of the Burns & McDonnell strategy, structure and culture.”

Over the last five years, Burns & McDonnell had a business diversity spend of $2.3 billion and has awarded business to more than 2,600 small and/or and diverse-owned suppliers.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of more than 14,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists, and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from 70 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.

About RGMA

Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA) was founded in 1979 and is an internationally recognized leader in developing and enhancing corporate supplier diversity programs. RGMA has over four decades of change management experience focused on integrating supplier diversity into various corporate cultures. This wealth of experience has positioned RGMA as the consultant of choice for corporations, government agencies, and non-profit institutions. Read about RGMA’s service offerings.