ECMC’s Third Annual Diversity Networking Fair
ECMC – member of the Business Leaders Task Force and co-founder of the Buffalo Purchasing Initiative – engaged in an effort to increase outreach and engagement with local businesses owned by people of color. ECMC’s Third Annual Diversity Vendor Networking Fair (held on 8/24/2023) was a resounding success, featuring over 70 local Minority and Women-Owned Businesses.
This annual event provides an opportunity for MWBE Vendors to showcase and offer their products and services to participants in the Networking Fair, while also learning about business support structures. The special guest speakers this year included Hon. April N.M Baskin, Chairwoman, Erie County Legislature; Rev. Mark E. Blue, President, Buffalo Branch NAACP; Mauricio C. Diaz, Program Director, Buffalo Purchasing Initiative. The speakers engaged with the MWBE vendors and others in attendance to increase awareness of programming and services available to them. The Buffalo State University – Small Business Development Center, along with other business support organizations, recognized the significance of the event and attended to network with local MWBEs and offer their continued support.
As an anchor employer on Buffalo’s East Side, and a statewide leader in MWBE purchasing and employment, ECMC recognizes the importance of community involvement and supporting local and diverse suppliers. Events such as this allow organizations with common goals to collaborate and develop long-term partnerships, benefitting society in improving the economy and providing more opportunities for diverse suppliers. BPI looks forward to ECMC fourth annual event in 2024.
