Supplier Diversity

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Supplier Diversity

Contact Supplier Diversity

At Milliken, we believe a diverse and inclusive supplier program benefits all stakeholders. We encourage diversity and inclusion when making supplier selections.  Milliken awards business to the best supplier based on integrity, value, quality, risk, sustainability, and price.

Recognized supplier diversity categories are further described here. To be designated as a diverse supplier, a supplier can self-certify by completing the certification form. Once submitted it will be reviewed by our internal team and entered into our database.  If selected to participate in a bid event, a Milliken Sourcing professional may reach out for additional information. Milliken annually audits aspects of our Supplier Diversity Policy Statement. Providing a supplier diversity certification does not guarantee business nor does it assure companies as a preferred supplier status. Milliken suppliers must meet all other Milliken requirements, including accepting our Supplier Code of Conduct.  

 

Milliken Supplier Diversity Certification - Word Milliken Supplier Diversity Certification - Word Milliken Supplier Diversity Certification - PDF Milliken Supplier Diversity Certification - PDF

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Supplier Diversity is core to our values at Milliken and these engagements continue to bring innovation, flexibility, and sustainability into our everyday buying practices. We will continue to utilize these building blocks to develop our supply base through education and networking opportunities. - Michael Brown, EVP of Operations

Milliken Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Our Commitment to Supplier Diversity

To provide courteous, professional treatment and equal opportunity for all current and potential suppliers.

To develop and maintain long-term business partnerships that allow us to meet our quality and service standards at competitive costs.

To encourage use of our defined diversity categories to bid on any of our company’s requirements.


 

 Join Our Supplier Mentorship Program

  • Created to help diverse suppliers bridge the gap to growth with Milliken
  • The program includes educational opportunities through our local Small Business Development Center
  • Benefits of participating:
    • Free education
    • Networking
    • Automatically added into our ERP system as an approved supplier and the ability to bid on events

Sign Up Today

supplier award 1

Embark Business Solutions, LLC was awarded the Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program Award for 2022.

supplier award 2

Our first annual Supplier Recognition Luncheon was held on November 15, 2022. Four awards were presented during this event to Grainger, Picanol, Lift One, and Embark Business Solutions, LLC. Congratulations to our winners!


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You're Invited!

Supplier Diversity Matchmaking Event

May 23, 2023, 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. EDT

 

Please join us for Milliken’s first-ever Supplier Diversity Event. Click the provided link to register. During this event, 50 Tier I suppliers will have the opportunity to engage with diverse local companies to provide potential opportunities to expand their business portfolios. There will be a discussion on the importance of Tier II commitment, as well as keynotes from: 

  • Ricaye Harris, Milliken VP of HR, Talent Acquisition and DEI 
  • David Heichemer, Milliken VP Corporate Logistics and Sourcing 
  • Michael Brown, Milliken EVP of Operations 
  • Pamela Evette, SC Lieutenant Governor

 

Sign Up

 


2023 Events 
Date Event Location Description Link
February 13 National Small Business Conference New Orleans, LA A premier supplier diversity networking event for small businesses. Link
March 20 WBENC National Conference Nashville, TN The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) provides the most relied upon certification for women-owned businesses and the tools to help them succeed. Link
April 13 SC Logistics Tech Talk 2023 Charleston, SC The SC Logistics Tech Talk focuses on how technology drives our state's logistics cluster. The 2020 Logistics Economic Impact Study found that SC logistics firms had increased their reliance on technology suppliers from 1.7% in 2010 to 5.1% in 2020. With 2040 freight projections estimated to increase by 61% (number of tons), we are very aware that emerging technologies in supply chain logistics are essential to preparing for that growth. April 13

 

April 19

Milliken Mentorship Program Event Spartanburg, SC

Small Business Tax Workshop hosted by SBDC

(9 AM - 2 PM EST)
Link
May 23 Milliken Matchmaking Supplier Diversity Event Spartanburg, SC First annual event to bring together diverse businesses and Milliken's Tier 1 supply base. Link
June 6 USPAACC Business + Procurement Conference Las Vegas, NV America’s largest and longest-running business development conference convened by Pan Asian Americans. Link

June 27

Milliken Mentorship Program Event Spartanburg

Benchmarking 

(9 AM - 11 AM EST)
July 10 Disability: IN Orlando, FL Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Our network of over 400 corporations expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. Our central office and 25 Affiliates serve as the collective voice to effect change for people with disabilities in business. Link
August 1 BOC (Business Opportunity Conference) Richmond, VA Two days of business development, education, networking, and matchmaking for minority-owned businesses. August 1 2023

 

August 14 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference Denver, CO This globally recognized conference is the largest LGBTQ business event on the planet. The NGLCC Conference delivers innovative leadership programming as well as networking and engagement opportunities for more than 2,000 LGBTQ and allied business leaders. Cutting-edge educational programs include inspiring keynote speakers, the annual B2B Boot Camp for Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers, a local chamber development track, Marketplace Expo, one-on-one Matchmaker meetings between suppliers and Fortune 500 companies. https://nglcc.org/event/nationaldinner2022/

 

August 22

Milliken Mentorship Program Event Spartanburg, SC

Certifications 

(9 AM - 11 AM EST)
Link
August 30 BMW Supplier Diversity Conference Greenville, SC The conference, one of the largest supplier diversity events in the nation, is an opportunity for women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in a day of professional development and to network with BMW’s Tier 1 suppliers. https://bmwsupplierdiversity.com/

 

September 7

Milliken Mentorship Program Event Virtual

Unconscious Bias

(9 AM - 11 AM EST)
Link
September 24 USHCC National Conference Orlando, FL This annual conference brings together local Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Hispanic business leaders, and corporate partners to foster Hispanic economic development for the greater American economy. Link

October 3

Milliken Mentorship Program Event Spartanburg, SC

Capability Statements

(9 AM - 11 AM EST)
Link
October 22 NMSDC Conference & Exchange Baltimore, MD Every year NMSDC host conferences and networking events which attract more than six thousand participants. 50 years of building momentum for economic equity. $1 trillion impact in our sights. https://nmsdc.org/calendar/nmsdc-conference-exchange-2023/

 

November 14 Milliken Supplier Recognition Event Spartanburg, SC 2nd annual supplier recognition event Link

December 12

Milliken Mentorship Program Event Spartanburg, SC

RFP Training

(9 AM - 11 AM EST)
Link