Driving It Home

August 10, 2014 by Toyota

• Toyota Looks to Expand Supplier Diversity with Event Near New North American Headquarters

ADDISON, Texas (August 5, 2014) – Toyota, Diversity in Promotions (DIP) and the Dallas–Ft. Worth Minority Supplier Diversity Council (DFW MSDC) are pleased to announce Toyota's Supplier Diversity Exchange Event, Aug. 13, in Plano, Texas.

This event is designed to help Toyota identify certified minority- or women-owned suppliers for various construction phases of its new corporate campus in Plano, Texas. Suppliers wishing to participate must meet the prequalification criteria per trade category, some of which have general contractor implications. Suppliers can obtain specifics by contacting DIP, DFW MSDC or by filling out the pre-qualification registration form.

'Since announcing the move to Plano, all of our teams have worked cohesively and cross functionally to insure inclusion among the certifying regional councils, government entities, our suppliers and throughout the business community in general,' said Monetta Stephens, Toyota Supplier Diversity.

'In fact, based on prior success, we are partnering with DFW MSDC and DIP to insure that this build-out engages the most innovative designs and processes, based on Toyota's pillars of respect for people and continuous improvement,' adds Bonnie Clinton, who leads Indirect Procurement at the Torrance location.

To help the automaker engage potential participants in the Dallas area, DIP and DFW MSDC are conducting outreach not only within the regional councils of nationally recognized certifying agencies, but also across key Metropolitan areas, in faith-based institutions, civic groups and on social media.

Qualified suppliers will need to submit their business profile in order to receive an invitation to the event. Suppliers receiving an invitation will be treated to networking opportunities with key decision makers, construction timeline and project management information and business growth opportunities.

During the event, Toyota's Construction Developer and Project Management Teams will engage potential suppliers in a match-making session to gauge capabilities and align Toyota business needs. For more information and to obtain prequalification criteria, certified MBE/WBEs should contact DIP and/or DFW MSDC.