National pharmaceutical giant Walgreens (No. 39 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 list) has announced an upcoming supplier diversity summit designed to help the country’s numerous diverse businesses and entrepreneurs promote their businesses and offerings.
Business news site Retail Info Systems (RIS) reported that the virtual event, scheduled for April 5th through the 8th, will provide “diverse vendors the opportunity to connect with the Walgreens merchandising team, share their products and receive feedback with the ultimate goal of being stocked on Walgreens shelves in their local areas.”
According to RIS, “During the virtual summit, Walgreens will work to increase sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51% owned, operated and managed by individuals who are disadvantaged, disabled, military veterans, LGBTQ, minorities and/or women.”
“As a leading partner in reimagining local healthcare and wellbeing for all, ensuring that we create equitable opportunities for diverse suppliers to drive economic impact in the communities we serve is imperative,” Carlos W. Cubia, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer for the Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), said in a statement. “This year’s summit will connect us with diverse suppliers that will ensure we remain relevant to our customers and communities with products that meet their unique needs. We look forward to a successful event.”
Cubia said the summit will showcase products from a number of areas, including grocery and household; beauty and personal care; health and wellness; and general merchandise. Organizers hope to include diverse businesses from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Speaking to Fair360, formerly DiversityInc last summer, WBA CEO Rosalind “Roz” Brewer — one of only two Black women in the U.S. running a Fortune 500 company — reflected on the ongoing importance of diversity to her organization, saying, “The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and I am excited to work alongside the entire Walgreens Boots Alliance team as we deliver further innovation and positively impact the lives of millions of people around the world every day.”
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