It was a shopping-networking expedition that could result in needed products and services for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and will boost exposure for quality minority-owned retailers.
Representatives from six minority and women owned companies set up displays during SIUE’s annual Diverse Vendor Spotlight Event on Thursday, Nov. 14 in the Morris University Center, Mississippi/Illinois Rooms. The Office of Vice Chancellor for Administration organized and hosted the fair.
“This time we decided to do a smaller fair, so that it would be less overwhelming. The vendors were invited after registering for a similar event earlier this year,” said Tara Raburn, Business Enterprise Program (BEP) administrative associate. “These specialized vendors were chosen, because they offer supplies we often use. Today, we have three businesses owned by minorities and three owned by women. Those who make purchasing decisions at SIUE will be attending the fair.”
The vendors included:
- Louer Facility Planning of Collinsville, providing furniture, design services, space planning, project management, installation and more. Jane Louer, CEO and president. For more information, visit louerplan.com.
- Omar Inc., of Chicago, a distributor and direct importer of a variety of products, including gloves, can liners, protective clothing, towel and tissue, corrugated boxes, safety supplies and equipment. Dr. Wilson, founder and CEO. For more information, visit omarinc.com.
- ResourceOne Interior Solutions and Design of Springfield, a full-service contract office furniture and Knoll dealership. Cindy Davis, owner. For more information, visit resourceoneoffice.com.
- SJB Promotions of Mason City, a promotional product distributor. Jill Douglas, owner and president. For more information, visit sjbpromotions.com.
- South Coast Paper of Columbia, S.C., a paper converting, sales and marketing company. Kenny Loyd, president, and Paul Mitchell, managing partner. For more information, visit southcoastpaper.com.
- The Will Group of Chicago, the pioneer company of several different companies that are prominent within the lighting and electrical industry. Stephen L. Davis, chair. For more information, visit thewillgroup.com.
“Diversity fairs are about connections and networking for me,” said Douglas. “I’m interested in finding out the needs of businesses, and find out works and doesn’t work for people. I want to learn about processing information about budgets. When are people buying and what information do they need before they buy?”
“I would love to meet new people at SIUE, and let them know who we are and what we do,” said Roderick M. Young, vice president of business development for The Will Group. “I would love to come away having developed relationships and opportunities to illuminate the many quality products and services we provide.”
“We are a vendor that has been calling on the University for many years and have done some spaces on campus, such as Rendleman’s Atrium and the Office of Admission’s new office space,” said Chris Davis, ResourceOne account manager. “We want people to know that when you engage us, you will be taken care of by a bunch of extremely smart, tuned into design women.”
Photo:
Roderick M. Young, vice president of business development (right) discusses the many benefits of the multi-faceted companies within The Will Group. Listening is Mark Dorris, IT manager.
Yvette Paris of Louer Facility Planning enumerates the adaptability, health benefits and more of the furniture and interior design provided by the Collinsville company.