Diverse Supplier Conference Opens Doors for Small Businesses
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., August 12, 2013 - Hundreds of business owners made connections during the Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council’s (cnFMSDC) conference at Walt Disney World Resort.
Co-sponsored by Disney, the 30th annual conference included seminars, networking opportunities, and a trade fair that brings together business owners and representatives from corporations and agencies that want to do business with minority suppliers. Members of the Walt Disney World Sourcing and Procurement team participated in the trade fair, which is the largest diverse supplier event in Florida.
Local business owners have found the trade fair to be a key way to find new opportunities.
“The face-to-face connections we’ve made at the trade fair have led to business opportunities that helped us grow,” said Tony McGee, president of HNM Global Logistics in Orlando, a company specializing warehousing and distribution services. “It’s one of the best networking events we attend each year.”
During the conference, the cnFMSDC recognized George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, for the company’s ongoing commitment to supplier diversity. Matt Thursam, manager Walt Disney World Minority Business Development , also was recognized at the event as advocate of the year. Disney is a founding member of the council.
“The conference and trade fair help local small and diverse businesses make connections and grow, which benefits our regional economy,” said Belinda Frazier, manager of Minority Business Development for Walt Disney World. “Helping to expand opportunities for Central Florida business owners is part of our commitment to the community.”
